My memory could be playing tricks on me, but this is how I remember it.

We gave intent letters (non-binding) right before winter break (Dec) and then had to give a definite yes/no by the end of Jan/Feb before the admin went off recruiting.

The recruiting has definitely changed gears though, as technology has continued to allow people to conference with much more ease.

When I took my last job, I actually enjoyed the Skype interviews before meeting at the fair, it definitely gave that initial meeting (at the fair) a more personal touch.

Good points hallier. I agree with most of it, I have definitely seen an upswing in the amount of interviewing that happens before fairs these days.

I would also recommend job hunters to have everything organized by October/November just as good forward planning.

Wow! November 1st now that would be interesting! Not to high jack this post, but who else needs to let their admin know prior to December if they are staying of going?

This just seems very early. Perhaps in the not too distant future we will see the ISS/Search 'big fairs' moved to earlier in the recruiting season.

The peak season is still Jan/Feb. The better schools will mostly require a face-to-face, usually at a fair. The big fairs don't start till Jan (BK) and then usually will start to slow down around the end of February after Boston.

Schools will start to advertise once they know if they have either a tentative or definite opening, this does not mean that they are going to start hiring in the early months.

This has been my experience through 4 fairs, 4 continents and 20 years in this gig.