Some companies prorate the match by month, some companies don't have this restriction. If your company doesn't have this restriction, you can maximize your contribution the first month and get whole year company match in the first month. If your company doesn't have vested period; in other words, if the company match vests instantly, then you can actually quit your job right after the match and still keep the match.
If the company prorate the match by month, then yes, you need to spread your contribution smartly.
I worked for both type of companies, so I know the difference.
