As an employer replacing an employee or hiring for a new position, there's often a sense to post the job as soon as possible. However, new research says posting the job at a certain time will put it in front of more potential candidates.
Indeed, the online job board, analyzed searches on its website to compile data on the most viewed job postings and demographics of the job seekers.
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Employers who want to get their opportunities front and center, aim for midday on a Tuesday. Looking for more educated candidates? Sunday night is the best time to post the job.
The data shows most unemployed people looking for jobs are searching between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m., with those searches peaking again in the evening, once employed jobseekers finish their workday most likely. Even for those actively seeking a new job, the searches aren't consistent throughout the week.
Between 11 a.m. and noon on Tuesday is when job boards get the most traffic, and the beginning of the week sees a lot more searches than Thursday or Friday, and then they almost completely drop off during the weekend. Saturday is the least popular time for people to search for jobs, so those trying to attract a wide pool of candidates should post open positions early in the week to be at the top of searches.
The Sunday night uptick is mainly among those with four-year degrees. They are searching for jobs the most between 6 p.m. and 9 p.m.
This search behavior is important for employers who are looking to hire, and possibly important for employers who want to retain workers. While many jobseekers are looking for new opportunities on their personal time, the data shows some employees aren't above poking around during work hours.
Knowing when job seekers are looking for jobs and coordinate efforts to post a job may help an employer get a better pool of candidates — and may also give a heads up on which employees are planning an exit.
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