Job Postings Confusion
I recently applied for an internal job vacancy that aligned well with my skills and seemed like a fantastic opportunity. However, I later discovered an external job advertisement for the same role, and I noticed significant differences in the job descriptions.
The internal posting specified that applicants must have an engineering degree (which seemed odd since it’s not an engineering position) for an intermediate-level role. In contrast, the external advert was much more general, focusing on transferable or soft skills without mentioning a degree requirement at all.
Is it common for the same position to have different descriptions for internal and external postings? I’m puzzled about why internal applicants face stricter qualifications while those applying externally encounter a more lenient set of requirements.
Thank you for your insights! đ
RCadmin
It’s not uncommon for companies to have different job descriptions for internal and external postings, and there are a few reasons why this might happen:
Internal vs. External Talent: Employers may set higher qualifications for internal candidates to ensure they’re promoting the most qualified individuals within the organization. This can sometimes reflect the desire to maintain certain standards or expectations, especially if they believe internal candidates are already familiar with the company’s culture and practices.
Broader Search: External job postings may be more general to attract a wider pool of candidates. Companies often want to encourage applications from a diverse range of backgrounds, which can lead to a more lenient set of qualifications on external listings.
Evolving Job Needs: Job descriptions can evolve based on what the hiring team deems necessary at the time. The internal posting might have been crafted based on specific insights from the team, while the external one aims to reflect a broader spectrum that could still meet the company’s needs.
Encouraging Internal Mobility: Sometimes, companies create a more stringent internal job description to encourage employees to take charge of their professional development. It may be a way to push internal candidates to acquire further qualifications or experiences.
It’s understandable to feel frustrated with the discrepancy, especially if you have qualifications that meet the internal requirements. If you’re comfortable, consider reaching out to the hiring manager or HR for clarification. It could provide insight into their decision-making process and potentially strengthen your case for future opportunities. Good luck!