Understanding Pro Forma Hiring: Why Companies Advertise Job Openings Without Genuine Intentions

Is your frustration mounting as you apply to job openings that later close without hiring the public applicant? This phenomenon is often referred to as pro forma hiring. Companies deceive the job market by advertising openings even when they have a preferred candidate in mind. Although the practice may seem dishonest, it has its roots in legal and regulatory requirements.

The Law and Pro Forma Hiring

The concept of pro forma hiring exists because many organizations are bound by legal or regulatory obligations that necessitate the public posting of job positions. Even when companies have an internal candidate in mind, they are required to advertise the opening to ensure fairness and transparency. However, this legal requirement can create misleading expectations for job seekers, who may waste their time and resources on applications that eventually lead to nothing.

Internal Selection and Hiring Decisions

Companies often advertise positions to fulfill a legal or administrative obligation rather than actively seeking new applicants. They may also keep the job posting open to confirm the suitability of their preferred candidate, who may be a current employee. This selective process can deter unqualified candidates from applying, while providing a platform for the company to evaluate and potentially hire the internal candidate.

Common Misconceptions About Job Postings

Many job seekers confuse the act of posting a job with the commitment to fill it. It is important to understand that job postings are not always indicative of genuine open positions. Here are a few common misconceptions:

Companies are just not hiring: Sometimes, a company may have a candidate in mind and use job postings to cover legal requirements. Once the candidate is on board, the job is taken offline.

Overposting: The same job opening may be listed on multiple platforms. This does not mean there are separate open positions; it often indicates a single job being advertised broadly to fulfill compliance needs.

Selective Hiring: Companies are increasingly selective in their hiring process. This is partly due to the difficulty in changing job roles after hiring, especially in some European regions where firing employees post-hire can be challenging.

Insight from Personal Experience

Many job postings are a formality that serves regulatory compliance rather than a genuine job search. This can be seen in examples such as hiring processes that involve direct internal referrals. For instance, in my current role, the hiring manager sent my profile and the job description to HR. HR then officially posted the job on the company website, asked me to apply, and promptly closed the position after I applied, as it was already filled.

Conclusion

The ongoing tension between legal obligations and genuine hiring needs lies at the heart of pro forma hiring. While it may seem frustrating for job seekers, it is a necessary step to maintain transparency and equality in the job market. Understanding these practices can help job seekers better navigate the process and make informed decisions.