TITLE: deadline in math jobs application
QUESTION [6 upvotes]: In some math job advertisements, it says "the deadline is...", but some schools review applications before that. Does that mean we should submit applications as early as possible to be in a better position? (Because I normally apply when the date is close to the deadline). (I just want to make sure I understand things correctly). Thanks!

REPLY [3 votes]: My only experience is applying for research postdocs last year, and a lot of schools started looking at applications shortly after Thanksgiving. Some of my friends had offers the first week of December. So I would say apply by mid-November to be safe. This might only apply to research postdocs though.
I don't like the blanket advice "apply as early as possible" because for many people, including me, the late summer and early fall of application season is a very productive time, and you might get a lot of research done. If you're hot on the trail of something good it's better to finish it off than apply early, especially if you're a grad student with not so many results. Of course if you're at a natural stopping point in your research (e.g. because you're essentially stuck) then it's better not to procrastinate and get the applications in early. Professors have access to your file on mathjobs as soon as you apply, and maybe someone in the department where you're applying is bored and browsing...