Responding Quickly Boosts Job Seekers’ Hiring Chances by 30 Percent

Responding within minutes may improve job seekers’ chances by about 30 percent.

Researchers from UC San Diego, Vanderbilt, and George Mason analyzed millions of Fiverr interactions and found that quick replies to job inquiries significantly increase hiring likelihood. Experts from recruiting firms like Heller Search and Goodwin Recruiting highlight the growing importance of speed over crafting perfect responses or playing hard to get.

The study revealed that delays as short as five to ten minutes reduce chances of getting hired by about 30 percent. Candidates should aim to be among the first 20 to respond and be cautious with AI-generated or automated replies, which can undermine their prospects. Recruiters, such as Billy Marchant, have recently selected candidates within 48 hours, underscoring the accelerated pace of hiring in the digital age. J.T. O’Donnell summarized the urgency: “If you’re not quick to respond, you’re out.”

Job seekers are advised to monitor email and LinkedIn messages multiple times daily and respond within the same day to stay competitive.

While the research focuses on online freelance platforms, in areas with dispersed populations and reliance on digital connectivity, quick, genuine responses could be especially valuable in local hiring networks. Businesses and job seekers could benefit from adapting to this accelerated communication rhythm to maintain competitiveness in a shifting job market.

How Fast Responses to Job Inquiries Can Boost Hiring Chances
By Celia Bernhardt, The Wall Street Journal