Most major airlines have filters on their applicants that do not pull their apps until within a certain time of availability. I know recently at CAL, this filter has been set to 90 days prior to availability. It could vary obviously from employer to employer, but generally they don't want to start the process that usually completes within 90 days outside of this time frame. I think having everything submitted at the 120 day mark is prudent and reasonable. I wouldn't expect to hear from most employers until within your 90 day window. I got four phone calls when I was applying years ago on my 89th day prior to getting out. Coincidence? Once mins are met, anything goes. At that point, I would say who you know and how hard you lobby will have greater returns than having 300 more hours than the next guy.