Graduates who apply earlier for jobs after their studies are likely to be brighter than their peers and have a greater chance of succeeding in the workplace.

That’s the view of psychometric expert SHL, whose latest Early Bird report suggests that graduates who apply later tend to be more resilient and less susceptible to criticism, but are less forward-thinking, less analytical, less motivated, less outgoing and less persuasive than the early bird applicants.

“The new data set allows us to state with conviction that there is a difference in both the personality and cognitive abilities of applicants applying earlier in the recruitment cycle,” said James Bywater, an occupational psychologist at SHL, and author of the research.

The Early Bird research assessed the personality traits and abilities of applicants throughout the year and measured a range of intelligence and skills, including motivation and persuasiveness.

“Later applicants do have the edge when it comes to resilience, but in all other areas the earlier entrants come out on top,” said Bywater.

Carl Gilleard, chief executive of the Association of Graduate Recruiters, admits that he wasn’t surprised by the research, but warns that recruiters shouldn’t rely too heavily on the first crop of graduate applications.

“Trying to achieve a decent level of work experience often means that students have to defer their job search,” he said. “Recruiters would be unwise to ignore the talent that has not immediately applied for jobs.”