Latest Lists

Are organizations required to post job openings? Could I be applying for jobs that aren't truly "open"?

I know that sometimes, particularly in the areas I am interested in (non-profit), a lot of hiring takes place based on whether it's someone organizations already know, someone who is a relative or has done volunteer work with the organization before. When I see a job listed on a website, is there a chance they actually have already chosen someone but are required to list the opening?

Public Comments

1. You got it! Most ads are pro forma - they have a pretty good idea who they are hiring but have to advertise. Or they are market research on salaries - if they demand salary/benefits data, there's a high probability that there is no job, it's salary research. Lastly come the jobs they have a terrible time filling, usually because it's a lousy job or pays less than market rates or something is wrong. About 90% of actual job openings are in the hidden job market. Learn job hunting! It's a skill, and you need to do your homework. Start with Richard Bolles, 'What Color Is Your Parachute?' You also need to study books on job hunting skills, interviewing skills, resume preparation, etc. Park yourself at the public library and study - intensively! - for a week or two and start getting yourself on track.
2. This is very often the case, even in government jobs. I work in state government and they post these phoney job openings all the time because they are required to do so by law. Not only have they already picked their candidate, the candidate is often already working the job as a temp or rational employee. I know, it sucks.