Michael Yan, a 25-year-old tech prodigy, has shared an ingenious LinkedIn trick that enabled him to apply to internships shortly after they were posted, significantly boosting his chances of securing a position. This strategy proved particularly beneficial when he was a freshman computer science major at Stanford University in 2018, eager to gain a competitive edge in the fast-paced job market.

During his early job hunt, Yan utilized LinkedIn's feature that sorts job roles based on the most recent postings. However, he soon discovered a clever workaround to refine his search further. By manipulating the numbers in the URL of the job listings page, he changed the default setting from 86400 seconds (equivalent to 24 hours) to 3600 seconds (the number of seconds in one hour). This simple yet effective trick allowed him to focus on the freshest job postings, enabling him to prioritize his applications.

"It was extremely helpful in shortlisting jobs that were posted recently that I could basically prioritize applying to," Yan stated in an interview with Business Insider. This method of swiftly identifying new postings, he believes, was a key factor in him landing prestigious internships at major tech companies like Microsoft and Meta after his sophomore year.

In 2020, Yan made the bold decision to drop out of Stanford and launch his own startup, Simplify, which aims to leverage artificial intelligence to assist job seekers in finding and applying for suitable openings. He emphasizes the importance of early applications, continuing to advocate for this strategy as one of his top tips for aspiring applicants.

Many Americans have faced considerable challenges in their job searches over the past year. Although the unemployment rate remains relatively low in comparison to historical figures, businesses are hiring at some of the slowest rates since 2013, aside from a brief downturn during the pandemic. In light of these difficulties, job seekers are increasingly exploring new strategies to differentiate themselves from the competition.

Career experts from prominent job platforms such as LinkedIn, Indeed, and ZipRecruiter have echoed Yan's sentiments, confirming that applying early can provide applicants with a significant advantage in todays challenging job market. Andrew McCaskill, a career expert at LinkedIn, recommends that job seekers set up alerts for specific roles, allowing them to act quickly once a job is listed. He asserts that applying on LinkedIn within the first ten minutes of receiving an alert can increase the likelihood of getting a response from hiring managers by up to four times.

Being among the first to apply, especially for jobs you really want or are super qualified for, should certainly be part of a job search strategy, McCaskill advised.

Sam DeMase, a ZipRecruiter career expert, concurs, highlighting that some employers may close postings after a certain number of applications have been received, which can happen very quickly. She strongly recommends that job seekers aim to apply within three days of a job being posted. Employers are more likely to interview, extend an offer to, and hire earlier applicants, so moving fast can literally change your odds, DeMase stated.

DeMase also pointed out that this approach is particularly crucial for entry-level positions, which often attract a high volume of applicants. Furthermore, roles at startups and in sectors like retail and customer service tend to fill up rapidly, making early applications even more essential.

Jennifer Herrity, a career trends expert at Indeed, adds that applying early can convey enthusiasm and promptness. She suggests that applicants should aim to submit their materials within one to two weeks of a job posting to maximize their chances of success.

However, its important to note that while timely applications are beneficial, they are just one aspect of the job search process. The experts consulted by Business Insider emphasized that applicants should not compromise on the quality of their submissions simply to be among the first. Tailoring each rsum to align with the specific job requirements and ensuring that the positions applied for match ones skills and experiences are crucial steps in the application process.

More important than applying quickly whether that's within 24 hours or one hour is that you're a good fit for the job you're applying to, and that your application shows you off in the best light, McCaskill concluded. This balance between speed and quality is essential for navigating todays competitive job landscape.