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Why do apply rates slow over time?

Learn why job ad apply rates slow down after posting and how to refresh your listing for more applicants.

Tamalyn Holcomb avatar
Written by Tamalyn Holcomb
Updated yesterday

Overview

It’s normal for application rates to slow over time. Most job boards give new postings top visibility, so you’ll see the biggest burst of applicants in the first few days.

💡 Tip: Refreshing your job post can bring it back to the top of search results.


Why apply rates slow down

When you first post a job — whether it’s the very first time or the first time in months — you’ll see an initial rush 🌊 of applicants who’ve been actively searching. After that surge, apply rates usually slow to a steady sprinkling ☔️ of new job seekers entering the market.

Because Wizehire distributes to 100+ job boards (including Indeed, LinkedIn, and ZipRecruiter), your post is highly visible 🤩. Just keep in mind: if you already posted the role directly to a major job board before using Wizehire, you may have already tapped into that initial rush 🌊 and are now seeing the normal sprinkling phase ☔️.

  • Initial boost fades
    Job boards promote new postings first, so traffic naturally drops after the initial launch.

  • Job seekers filter by “recent”
    Many candidates search for jobs posted within the last 7–14 days. Older postings get fewer clicks.

  • Market saturation
    Once most active job seekers have seen your listing, new applicants taper off.


How to boost apply rates again

  • Refresh your posting
    Use Wizehire’s refresh feature to bump your job back to the top of job board search results.

  • Sponsor your job
    Paid sponsorships increase visibility and help you reach more candidates quickly.

  • Check your job details
    Make sure your compensation, title, and description are competitive and optimized.

💡 Tip: Wizehire Scout can suggest competitive pay ranges to improve job performance.


Other tips

It’s important to remember you’re not alone in this situation! Every job ad goes through the same ebb and flow process. In today’s tough hiring climate, these things are key:

  • Longevity - Keep your ad live for as long as it takes so new applicants entering the market can find you

  • Diligence - Checking your dashboard and reaching out to strong applicants right away - the highest qualified candidates get hired quickly!


Common Questions

How often should I refresh my job post?
This can be done, according to job board standards, once every 30+ days.

Will sponsoring guarantee more applicants?
Sponsorship boosts exposure, but applicant volume also depends on your role, location, and market.

Can I edit the job instead of refreshing?
Yes. Updates like compensation or keywords can also improve visibility, but refreshing gives the biggest lift.

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