Unlock Your Dream Job: The Secret 3-Day Rule You Need to Know

Looking for a new role but struggling to stand out in a sea of applications? Try out the three-day rule.

If you're currently hunting for a new role, you're likely acutely aware of just how tough it is. From an increase in ghost listings to rising unemployment across the country, it's safe to say that the job market isn't at its most prosperous right now. Yet despite the unfavourable conditions, a third of Brits are considering a career change this year.

But while it might be challenging, it's not impossible. In fact, a new study by careers hub Targetjobs analysed 400,000 job listings between 2024 and 2025 to reveal the strategies that really work when looking for a great new role.

The key? Utilising the three-day rule.

What is the three-day rule?

"Timing is very important when applying," say the experts at Targetjobs. "Applicants who are in the habit of checking listings frequently and applying early in the month tend to stand a better chance of being noticed by employers, and reduces the risk of roles they are interested in being filled before they see them, or being buried under newer listings."

When you look at a job site, your eye is often drawn to the newest listings; this is caused by recency bias, which makes the fresh listings seem the most exciting, even if they aren't the most relevant.

"As time passes, the roles that are the best fit move down the page, being replaced by ones that seem 'fresher', and this means you can miss out on the perfect job for you if you wait longer than three days," they warn.

Instead, they suggest treating job hunting like catching a train; waiting too long means you're standing at the station, watching the opportunity pull away as other applicants board.

According to the study, jobs posted between the 1st and 10th of the month were found to attract 25% more engagement and interest than those posted later in the month, but over 70% of the total views occur within the first three days of a role being posted.

This shows that when a job goes live, there is a surge of interest before engagement declines – and waiting to apply means that not only could recruiters find a candidate and fill the role before you've perfected your application, but your dream role could be hidden by newer listings.

The experts also offer another helpful tip: to look beyond the big names.

In the research, large companies – those with 1,001–5,000 employees – showed the highest rate of engagement on job postings, with a click-through rate of 20%. However, smaller firms, with fewer than 250 employees, had more postings but lower engagement.

"Don't overlook small- to mid-sized companies that are established enough to offer job stability, but small enough for your work to make an impact," the Targetjobs experts add. "They may offer more responsibility and faster progression – and with fewer applicants, you could have a better chance of success."

Images: Adobe