May 26, 2009
Staff Meeeting: recognizing job postings that are not real
(What questions would you like to see addressed in these Monday Morning staff meeting posts? Send us an email at: sharry@orcms.com)
Posted by Dr. Sean Harry
A reader recently sent us this question: “Any tips on recognizing job postings that are not real? Posting to make Co. look good seems to be popular these days…”
For those of you who are not familiar with this practice, sometimes companies post a position for which they already have a strong candidate “in the bag.” They are 90% certain of who they will hire, but they are under some obligation (internal or external) to post the opening to the wider public. It’s possible that some exemplary candidate will come along in the process and that they will choose to hire that person instead of the one they are leaning towards, but it’s not very likely.
We may think it’s not fair. It feels like a “bait and switch” or a waste of time, but who cares what we think? The job is the companies, not ours. They are free to hire anyone they see fit. People hire people they know and trust, so it only makes sense that they will go with their first choice most of the time.
The only way to determine if you are applying for one of these “phantom” job openings is to ask the person (or company) who posts it. Even then, you might not get a straight answer. So what can you do? Well, there are at least three things you CAN do in a situation like this:
- Be the exceptional candidate. Do your homework and find out exactly what the position requires. Apply, get an interview, and wow them into changing their minds.
- Don’t apply. OR
- BE the 90% “in the bag” candidate.
Most people will find their job through some form of networking. By understanding the company and having an inside lead on their needs, you can place yourself as the one in the position others envy. It isn’t easy, but it’s more effective than complaining about the “fairness” of the posting.
Networking is the key. My dad used to say, “it’s not WHAT you know, its WHO you know.” That advice is more important now than ever! Network your way into a job interview, and you will be the person other job seekers envy. YOU can be the one they complain about who has the “unfair advantage.”
Happy Hunting!
——————————Related Posts—
- How to “stay cool” on the job search.
- Monday Staff Meeting: Who is to blame for the recession?
- Monday Staff Meeting: A real life networking success story. . .
- Monday Staff Meeting: The BEST Job Boards to Use In Your Job Search
- Monday Staff Meeting: The Hiring Game
- Monday Staff Meeting: Getting the MOST Out of a Job Fair
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Dr. Sean Harry has more than 20 years of experience in training and motivating people to achieve their goals and reach their highest potential. He has helped accomplish this as a Career Coach, as a University professor, as a Pastor, and as a Motivational Speaker.
You can find him on twitter: @sharrypdx, and @careers20
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