I figured out how to actually be the “first applicant” on LinkedIn

Source: Dev.to

The Problem

Most people sort LinkedIn jobs by “Past 24 hours” and assume they’re seeing only fresh listings. In reality, LinkedIn still mixes in older jobs, reposts, and listings that already have hundreds of applicants.

The Hidden Filter

LinkedIn’s job search supports a hidden time filter in the URL that isn’t exposed in the UI. The backend parameter f_TPR filters by seconds since the job was posted.

How to Use It

1. Start with your normal job‑search URL, e.g.:

   https://www.linkedin.com/jobs/search/?keywords=frontend%20developer

2. Append the f_TPR parameter with the desired value:

   https://www.linkedin.com/jobs/search/?keywords=frontend%20developer&f_TPR=r60

   This biases the feed toward the newest listings and significantly reduces older or reposted jobs.

Quick Reference

• Last hour: &f_TPR=r3600
• Last 10 minutes: &f_TPR=r600
• Last 60 seconds: &f_TPR=r60

Results I Observed

• Fewer total listings (as expected).
• Almost zero reposted jobs.
• More cases where I was genuinely among the first applicants.
• Fewer “500 applicants” nightmares.

Why It Matters

• LinkedIn already has this functionality; it’s simply hidden from the UI.
• Most users don’t realize they’re not actually seeing fresh jobs, leading many to apply as applicant #347 instead of being early.

How to Apply It to Your Searches

Add the appropriate f_TPR value to any LinkedIn job search URL to filter by the desired time window. This small change can make your applications more intentional in a competitive market.

Good luck out there—this market is brutal enough already.