The best time is when you’re fully prepared to transition with updated resumes and LinkedIn, and you can devote time to the job search—other factors include industry cycles, hiring budgets, and personal circumstances. The beginning of the year is active; companies have new budget allocations and business goals. Non-government jobs, applying within the first week is best, but there are no rules.

Surprising to many, 4th quarter can be a great time to conduct a job search. There are fewer active job seekers and some companies are planning annual budgets. That said, the best time for a job search is when you’re ready–with clear goals, a targeted, achievement-oriented resume, and a robust LinkedIn profile. Submit your resume when the job post is fresh; there is no advantage in waiting.

There is no “best” time of the year to job search, as hiring is happening all year long, but consider that holiday weeks can be slower for both postings and responses as recruiters and hiring managers may be taking time off. I recommend submitting your resume as soon as possible after the job is posted because many companies start reviewing applications and scheduling interviews immediately.

Statistically, early spring and fall are the traditional hiring peaks. However, employers fill jobs throughout the year. The best strategy is to keep your resume updated. When you see a position that appeals to you, tailor your resume for the role and submit it quickly. Applications received over the weekend or early in the week usually get the most attention.

It’s a myth hiring slows during the holiday season. What’s true is less people job search. It’s a great time to not only network during holiday events but to apply to openings. Employers hire when they need to fill positions. The best time to apply is when the job is posted as hiring managers tend start selecting candidates for interviews immediately. Late applicants may not make the first round.

While there are historical “peaks” to job openings (January and February in particular), you should always be circulating your name no matter when or if you are looking as you never know when the right opportunity will present itself. If you are applying to jobs, focus on applying when the job first opens. Most recruiters will find the top 4-6 candidates to interview in the first few days.

The best time of year to search for a job is TODAY. No time of year is better than any other. Networking is the proven way to land jobs, and you can network year-round. Apply sooner than later, because companies receive hundreds of applications for a position. They may stop looking at resumes before the cutoff date.

There is no one best time to job search as quality opportunities can arise anytime. There is a general opinion that there are better times than the holiday season; however, there are also typically fewer candidates. You should submit your application as soon as a position is posted. If you are a good-fit candidate, you will likely displace the competition and the position will be quickly filled.

There are benefits to each quarter; therefore, it’s essential to consider your industry as hiring trends vary. My best advice is to maintain a continuous and proactive approach rather than focusing on time of year and submit your resume as soon as the position is posted to increase your chances of being noticed. Having an up-to-date resume at the ready is your most valuable asset in the job market.

Hiring seasons differ by industry. Company budgets are set, and applicants make goals for the new year, at the end of the year, making Jan-Feb strong hiring months. Winter holiday season and summer have weaker hiring rates due to employee vacation scheduling. Use these times to update your resume, then submit earlycarol but only after your resume is tailored to the industry, exuding job value.

Statistically, more hires are made during the last three months of the year and the first few weeks of the new year than at any other time. Some companies start interviews as soon as they receive applications. Because recruiters report getting 200, 300, and even 1,000 applications for every job posted, it’s in your best interest to apply as quickly as possible.

Any time of the year is a good time for a job search. Every company has openings at different times of the year. Typically you will see less job ads around the holidays except in the retail and restaurant industries. The best time to submit your resume is as soon as you see the ad posted in case the HR department reads the resume right away to fill an urgent vacancy.