Speaking specifically about summer jobs while in high school (as I believe the topic starter intended), I too agree with "the sooner the better". However, too soon and companies may not be looking for employees yet - and your resume gets shuffled into a murky corner. But of course, it's still worth it to try earlier (especially as opposed to applying late! I often hear "We've just hired someone a few weeks ago."), and you can always try again with the same people at a future date.

Trying to give a more definite estimate here, which no one else really has, I'd say for a head start January would be a good time. January, February... Well I've even applied in May for a summer job and then in fact started work about two weeks after (I was intending just to work for the summer, but it was part-time anyway). Although it's always advisable to start applying early, most high school students (that I know of) don't start until at least March. Of course, there're many factors affecting that, so it really depends on what kind of job you're looking for.

Ah yes, if you actually want a job you want, gotta start earlier of course. And I suggest - once again depending on the type of job, but this applies to many - going in person to wherever it is you want to work and actually handing them your resume, whether they've got a job posting or not. Ask if there are any openings and even if they say there aren't, ask if you may leave your resume with them anyway, in case anything should come up or they change their mind. I have actually gotten interviews (and landed a job) that way, but just be wary that when most say "no", they mean it hahah. So the odds of getting a call back isn't too high.

If you're volunteering with an organization or was a participant in a camp or something like that, often they will take employees from their pool of volunteers and past students. This often means bypassing interviews, not having to actually apply (if they ask you first if you'd like to work there), etc. So if you'd like to work somewhere, it often helps to volunteer there first. In future years, you just may be invited for a job.

Honestly, I say that but slack myself. My first job was after being part of a camp and volunteering there first, and the rest I've never started looking before March. So at least, you'd have a leg-up on me hahah.

Apply second semester of your first year of high school. You need the first semester to get used to high school life. Once you are used to it apply, get a job, then open an RESP and take off some money ever pay check to save money for university. Thats what I did and I have 5 grand saved up!

i agree with that! but its getting so much harder to find a part-time job in the windsor area where most places here are downsizing instead of hiring
but it is best to get one before the school year starts!

Yes, what if you apply for a job now and they want you to start working immediately? Thats the only problem I have because my parents don't want me working during school.

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Lately I've been considering getting a summer job, and I've never had one before. I was wondering - since you guys are saying now is the best time, does that still apply if I don't want to work at all until summer? Or would that make it too hard to get a job? Also, considering I've never had a job before, what places are generally easy to get a job at?

I'm in the exact same situation. How do you specify to an employer that you really want an actual SUMMER job, meaning you don't start work until end of June?