Unlock LinkedIn’s Hidden Edge: Be the First to Apply for Any Job
Don't just apply, be first. This overlooked LinkedIn trick gives you a crucial head start in the competitive job market, helping your application land on top of the pile.
By Rodger Mansfield, Technology Editor
July 14, 2025
You see a perfect opening, craft a stellar resume, hit "apply," and then... crickets.
In today's hyper-competitive job market, especially on platforms like LinkedIn, simply applying isn't enough.
The truth is, recruiters often get flooded with hundreds, even thousands, of applications for a single role. Many won't even look past the first few dozen.
So, how do you cut through the noise and ensure your meticulously crafted application gets seen?
Here's a Cool Tip: Be Among the Very First to Apply.
There's a subtle, yet powerful, trick hidden within LinkedIn's job search functionality that allows you to zero in on the freshest postings, giving you an almost unfair advantage.
What You'll Gain
- Boost Visibility: Get your application seen before the flood of later applicants.
- Increase Interview Chances: Earlier applications often receive more attention from recruiters.
- Reduce Competition: Apply when the applicant pool is smallest.
How it Works
LinkedIn offers filters to sort jobs by "Past 24 hours," but even that can be too broad.
This ingenious method leverages the URL parameters of LinkedIn's job search results to filter by seconds, not just hours.
When you filter a job search on LinkedIn by "Past 24 hours," the URL string includes a parameter like f_TPR=r86400.
That "86400" isn't a random number—it's the number of seconds in 24 hours.
Want to see jobs posted in the last hour?
Change 86400 to 3600 (seconds in an hour). How about the last 10 minutes?
Use 600.
This simple URL modification allows you to refresh your job search with an incredibly granular time filter, revealing jobs that have just been posted, often with zero or very few applicants.
Why it Matters
Many recruiters stop reviewing applications once they have a manageable number of qualified candidates.
By being among the first, you significantly improve the likelihood of your resume being seen and considered.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Here's how to do it.
Microsoft Web/Desktop
- Go to LinkedIn's Jobs section (linkedin.com/jobs/).
- Enter your desired job title and location in the search bar.
- On the search results page, find the "Date posted" filter and select "Past 24 hours."
- Look at the URL in your browser's address bar. You'll find a section that includes f_TPR=r86400.
- Change 86400 to your desired number of seconds.
- For example: 3600 for the last 1 hour, 1800 for the last 30 minutes or 600 for the last 10 minutes.
- Press Enter to refresh the page with your newly refined search. Observe the new postings!
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fig. 1 - Be First to Apply on LinkedIn |
iOS / Android (Mobile Browser)
- While the LinkedIn app doesn't directly expose this URL parameter, you can still use your mobile browser.
- Use Safari (iOS) or Chrome (Android) and navigate to linkedin.com/jobs/.
- Follow Web Steps 1-2: Perform your initial job search and apply the "Past 24 hours" filter.
- Tap on the URL bar at the top of your mobile browser.
- Carefully locate and change the f_TPR=r86400 parameter as described in Step 4 for the desktop version.
- Press "Go" or the equivalent on your mobile keyboard to reload the search results.
Pros and Cons
Like any powerful tool, this LinkedIn trick comes with its advantages and a few considerations.
Pros
- Competitive Edge: Significantly increases the chance of your resume being seen by recruiters before they are overwhelmed by a large volume of applications.
- Increased Visibility: Your application is more likely to stand out when the applicant pool is smallest.
- Proactive Approach: Encourages disciplined and regular checking for new job opportunities, fostering a more active job search strategy.
- Early Bird Advantage: Particularly effective for highly competitive roles or industries where jobs are filled quickly.
- Market Insight: Allows you to quickly gauge immediate interest in a role based on how many applicants appear shortly after posting.
Cons
- Quality over Speed: Submitting a rushed, generic application, even if first, is unlikely to be successful; quality tailoring remains paramount.
- Time-Consuming: Requires frequent vigilance and refreshing of the search results, which can lead to burnout if not managed effectively.
- Not Universal: Some companies may not prioritize early applications, preferring to review all submissions after a set period.
- No Substitute for Tailoring: While getting in early is vital, it doesn't replace the need for a well-crafted and customized resume and cover letter.
Feature Access
This trick is available to all LinkedIn users, regardless of premium subscriptions (like LinkedIn Premium or Sales Navigator).
It leverages a standard URL parameter, making it accessible to anyone using the web version of LinkedIn on a desktop or mobile browser.
If you can access LinkedIn's job search, you can use this tip.
Score
Criteria Score (0–10) Justification
Value 9/10This feature offers significant practical utility by directly addressing a core problem in online job searching: the overwhelming volume of applicants. It empowers users to gain a critical first-mover advantage, genuinely improving their chances of visibility and interviews.Usability 7/10While it's not a one-click solution, the actual process of editing a URL parameter is straightforward. It doesn't require advanced technical skills or complicated setup, making it accessible to most tech-aware users, though it's not immediately obvious.Wow Factor 8/10Discovering that you can manipulate a URL to gain such a precise competitive edge is genuinely surprising and delightful. It's a clever, under-the-radar trick that elicits an immediate "Cool!" reaction from those who learn it.Total Score: 24/30 🌟 Excellent — Highly recommended for immediate use.
This LinkedIn URL trick offers an excellent, actionable advantage in the job market.
Its high value in improving application visibility, combined with its relatively simple implementation and surprising "wow" factor, makes it a highly recommended strategy for anyone serious about their job search.
Key Takeaways
The ability to precisely filter LinkedIn job postings by seconds rather than just hours is a potent, often overlooked, strategy.
By consistently applying this URL trick, job seekers can ensure their applications are among the first seen by recruiters, dramatically increasing their chances of standing out in a crowded field and securing those crucial early interviews.
It’s a clear demonstration that a little tech savvy can go a long way in your career progression.
Try It Yourself
Ready to put this powerful tip into action?
Head over to LinkedIn's job search, try modifying the URL yourself, and see how quickly new opportunities appear.
We’d love to hear about your experiences and successes in the comments below!
Don't forget to subscribe to the One Cool Tip newsletter for more daily tech insights and share this article with anyone in your network who could benefit from a significant edge in their job search.
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