Adapted by:
Rubén Andrés
WriterWriter at Xataka. I've been working remotely for more than a decade and I'm a strong advocate of technology as a way to improve our lives. Full-time addict of black, sugar-free coffee.
Alba Mora
WriterAn established tech journalist, I entered the world of consumer tech by chance in 2018. In my writing and translating career, I've also covered a diverse range of topics, including entertainment, travel, science, and the economy.
Generation Z members face significant challenges in starting their careers in a competitive job market. Hundreds or even thousands of candidates apply for each job opening, so finding a way to stand out in job applications is crucial.
Michael Yan is the 25-year-old founder and CEO of Simplify, a platform that allows users to apply for jobs quickly. He recently shared a strategy on LinkedIn that helped him receive job offers from major companies such as Meta, Microsoft, and Google. This method enabled him to access job vacancies before many other candidates, significantly increasing his chances of being hired.
Yan’s strategy. According to Business Insider, in 2018, Yan was in his first year of computer science at Stanford University and was seeking companies for his first internship.
With his background in tech, he noticed that the LinkedIn employment section URL contained “86400.” This number isn’t random. It represents the number of seconds in a day. As a result, when Yan searched for job postings shared on the last day, he consistently saw listings posted the day before, rather than just within the last few hours.
A simple change to be first in line. After making this crucial discovery, Yan accessed the Jobs tab on LinkedIn and searched for the professional profile he wanted. He applied the Past 24 Hours filter. Then, he modified the number “86400” in the URL to “3600,” representing the number of seconds in an hour.
The young candidate “hacked” LinkedIn’s job search, enabling him to view job postings from the last hour. By doing this, he ensured that he was among the first candidates to apply for open positions. “I landed job offers at Meta & Google because I applied to the jobs within a few hours of them being posted,” Yan explained in his LinkedIn post.
Access to better opportunities. Yan discovered that by manually modifying the URL, he could access the newest job listings before other users. This strategy elevated his resume to the top of the list, significantly improving his chances of being hired.
This approach doesn’t guarantee that someone will be hired for a position they’re not qualified for. However, it provides a significant advantage in the selection process. Many companies operate on a first-come, first-served basis when reviewing applications. As such, being one of the first to apply increases the likelihood of landing an interview.
This tactic helped Yan secure internships at top tech companies.
Any advantage is welcome. According to a 2024 report, 57% of Generation Z members entering the job market in 2025 are pessimistic about starting their careers. Moreover, 63% attribute their pessimism to an incredibly competitive job environment. Data indicates that recent graduates have already submitted 24% more job applications than seniors from the previous year.
While skills and experience remain essential, response time can be a deciding factor in progressing through the selection process. LinkedIn career expert Andrew McCaskill told Business Insider, “Being among the first to apply, especially for jobs you really want or are super qualified for, should certainly be part of a job search strategy.”
Image | Justin Morgan
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