A survey of 11,000 graduates applying for senior jobs in companies showed that those applying early had better numeric and verbal skills.
Those sending application forms in within days or weeks of a job being advertised were usually the brightest, it was found.
James Bywater, a senior psychologist with Surrey-based consultants SHL Group, who conducted the research, said the brightest people were usually the most organised.
The survey supported the view that the best candidates for a job were also the keenest so were more likely to get their application in early.
"There was a clear trend across industries and sectors that the best people applied the earliest.
The late applicants the laggards were less good at verbal and numeric skills," Mr Bywater said at a British Psychological Society conference in Warwick.
