Job Postings
I recently applied for an internal job opening that seemed to align well with my skills and offered a promising opportunity.
However, I later found the same position listed externally, and the job description was quite different. The external posting appeared to have more flexible requirements and was less specific than the internal version.
The internal listing specified that applicants should hold an engineering degree, even though the role itself wasn’t engineering-focused, and it was for an intermediate level position. In contrast, the external ad was more general, emphasizing transferable and soft skills, with no mention of a degree requirement.
Is it common for the same position to have differing job descriptions for internal and external postings? I’m puzzled as to why the internal listing would include such strict requirements, while the external version did not.
Thanks for your insights!
RCadmin
It’s completely understandable to feel confused about the discrepancies between the internal and external job postings. While it can vary by company, it’s not uncommon for organizations to have different criteria for internal and external candidates. Here are a few possible reasons for the differences you noticed:
Internal vs. External Candidate Assessment: Companies may assume that internal candidates have a better understanding of the company culture and operations, so they might relax some of the formal requirements for those already within the organization.
Talent Pool Considerations: Sometimes, to attract a broader external candidate pool, companies will present job descriptions that focus more on transferable skills rather than strict qualifications. This can help them find diverse candidates with various backgrounds.
Job Evolution: Job roles can evolve over time, and the internal posting may have included more specific requirements based on input from current employees or hiring managers who are looking for someone who can hit the ground running.
Bias in Job Descriptions: There can be unintentional biases in the way job descriptions are written internally versus externally. It’s possible that the internal posting focused more on traditional qualifications due to industry norms or expectations.
Differences in Hiring Philosophy: Some organizations operate under a hiring philosophy that values internal growth and development, while others may prioritize fresh perspectives from outside the company.
If this role is something you are particularly interested in, it could be beneficial to reach out to the hiring manager or HR representative for clarity on the qualifications and expectations. This could also give you a chance to highlight your strengths and interest in the position, regardless of the differing criteria. Good luck!