Seeking employment requires not only a polished resume but also strategic timing in sending applications. Adecco advises that applications should ideally be submitted between Tuesday and Thursday, particularly before 9:00 AM.
“Applications sent between Tuesday and Thursday, especially early in the morning (before 9:00 AM), tend to be more effective. This avoids the email backlog typical at the start and end of the week and coincides with a time when recruitment officers have greater availability to review profiles carefully,” states the human resources company.
Avoidance of Mondays and Fridays is also crucial:
“Avoiding Monday and Friday is also a clear recommendation: Monday is often marked by absences and internal replanning, while Friday signifies last-minute urgencies and a focus on closing the week. Weekends or extended holidays should be completely avoided, as the risk of the CV being lost in the ‘Monday pile’ is too high,” explains Adecco.
In a competitive job market, timing can be a real advantage,” the company notes.
The company further highlights that “the day and time of submitting the resume directly influence the likelihood of it being read and generating contact,” drawing from internal data and observing international trends.
There is a demand for professionals in customer service, logistics operators, restocking, and packaging, among others. These vacancies are distributed nationwide, with a higher concentration in Lisbon and Porto.
“The effectiveness of an application is not solely dependent on resume content. It also depends on how, when, and where it is sent. Sending the CV at noon or late in the day may be less effective as screening processes might have advanced. Furthermore, the application should always be accompanied by an updated online presence, notably on LinkedIn, along with an organized record of applications and follow-ups,” adds Adecco Portugal.
Considering a Job Change? Prepare Yourself
The recruitment company also advises those considering a job change that “preparation should begin with some lead time.”
“The average time for a career transition is about four months, so it’s advisable to start searching at least two to three months in advance. This planning helps address any educational gaps and allows for better interview preparation,” according to the Adecco Portugal website.
The Banco de Portugal (BdP) predicts a slowdown in employment and stabilization of unemployment levels until 2027.
