Ever wondered why recruitment ads sometimes list “Continuous” or “Open Until Filled” apply-by dates? The latter is clearer. “Open Until Filled” means that hiring managers leave the job posted until a candidate has been selected. But the former can mean one of two things.

Sometimes an employer advertises a job continuously because multiple positions need to be filled and/or there is high turnover, so they must recruit year-round to fill open positions. Review these postings carefully if you think you’ve missed a deadline because there may be multiple rounds of hiring at quarterly or half-yearly intervals. This will allow you to apply in the next round.

Another reason an apply-by date reads “Continuous” is that recruitment staff may not know how long it will take to develop a good pool of qualified candidates. Not setting an apply-by date provides recruitment staff with the flexibility to increase (or decrease if there are numerous qualified applicants) the amount of time the job is posted. In this case, the ad will usually state, “This recruitment may close at any time.”

What’s the advice for job seekers? Whether the closing date is fixed, “Continuous,” or “Open Until Filled,” don’t wait to apply. You won’t have to worry about deadlines which will free up your energy to practice for the interview. And you’ll appear more organized, prepared, and eager to a prospective employer.

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