Finding a summer job can be a daunting process. With several different factors to consider, the chore of finding and securing a job can prove more complex than actually performing the tasks the job requires.

Among the different factors to consider is when to begin searching and applying for summer employment.

However, before beginning the actual search, it is essential to decide what type of job is required to meet your needs.

By establishing the type, pay, and hours that fit your schedule, it is easier to narrow down the jobs to apply for. Although it may be hard to find jobs that fit all of your requirements, setting standards will save time and disappointment.

The next thing to consider is what skills and past experience you have to offer to the companies. It is always beneficial to do a self-evaluation before sending out résumés.

After completing the previous considerations, the time has finally arrived to begin the search. Or has it?

The truth is, the time to apply for positions depends on the type of job being sought.

It is easy to apply for food service or retail positions without any advanced planning or applications, besides knowing which restaurants or retail stores are in the area. It will then be quicker to apply for the jobs that hold the most interest for you.

If applying for an office job or a corporate position for summer, the search should begin two to four months early. This will help narrow down the area that would be better to live in and limit the lapse in time between paychecks.

Other types of positions, like internships, are usually jobs that require more planning and preparation. If applying for an internship position, it is important to begin looking about four to six months in advance.

John Leonard, a hiring specialist for the San Antonio Company Volero, highly suggests attending recruiting fairs. It is important to have knowledge of which companies are hiring and which are of particular interest.

Most large companies begin filling their positions for both internships and jobs two to four months in advance, although some may begin as early as six months.

“Don’t delay. If you delay, everything is taken,” said Robert C. Maxfield, director of the BYU-Idaho Career Placement.

Getting your résumé to employers early can offer an advantage and may give the advantage in later competition. If a company sees what they want in an early résumé, it may be one less position they will need to recruit for.

The search for a career should be taken care of in much the same way as an internship.

Maxfield explains that many students don’t realize that companies recruiting for upcoming spring and summer graduates typically begin recruiting in October. That is a six to eight month head start depending on the student’s graduation date.

Companies often begin the interviewing process very early to ensure that the necessary positions are filled when the time comes.

No matter what type of position you are in search of, timeliness is of the essence. It should be a top priority to follow up leads immediately. Sometimes waiting until the next day to make a call about a job can be a day too late.

Be sure to write down all employers contacted and the date. This will help prevent forgetting about important contacts and opportunities.