Why Jobs You See on Want Ads and Job Boards Often Aren't the Best

It's often said that most of the jobs available at any given time aren't advertised. But what's less-often mentioned is that the jobs that actually are advertised typically aren't the prime ones. Here's why.

Advertised Because it Wasn't Filled With Better Methods
Companies generally try to fill positions first by promoting from within. If that doesn't work, then referrals or suggestions are solicited from employees. Only after trying those promising, often effective methods do hiring managers go to that age old fallback -- advertising. In other words, when you see a position on a job board or in a classified ad, it's often because all other cheaper, more effective methods of filling a position have failed. Not a very promising clue about the job is it? Granted, there are exceptions to this. Some companies do start with want ads first. And the job may be terrific, and there are just no close contacts that can fill it. But in many cases, it's because the job has some serious warts, pimples, or scars.

Part of the Herd
Recruiters and human resource departments know if they advertise a job, they're going to get huge amounts of candidates. It's sort of the job search equivalent of a Hollywood cattle call. And that puts you in direct competition with hundreds, maybe even thousands of rivals who want the job as bad or worse than you do. Sure, maybe you're more experienced, have a better resume, and generally have the ability to kick the proverbial rear of these numerous competitors. But the odds get pretty weak when there are so many of 'em. And here's another thought -- if you're good enough to beat out 500 other job seekers, than you could probably get an even higher position for more money if you didn't have so much competition.

Job-Post Readers Aren't Considered the Best Candidates
A dirty secret backside to the idea of the best jobs not being advertised is that the perception works both ways. Employers often view people looking through job boards and want ads as B-Level candidates. It's kind of the same perception you see in the dating world -- if someone is such a good pick, why are they available? Hiring managers wonder if people who are actively looking through want ads are perpetually dissatisfied, too unappealing to be actively recruited, or maybe got fired. Of course, these aren't necessarily true. But perception rules, however unconscious or unfair those notions may be.

High-Level Jobs Generally Don't Get Advertised
Most companies prefer not to advertise the good, high-level positions for a number of reasons. Personnel changes can signal things about a company that it might want to keep secret -- future product launches, internal shakeups, or new strategies. At the same time, high-level positions tend to be more specialized. HR departments know that a want ad will probably bring heaps of resumes from totally unqualified people.

Looking to Hire a Pack
Jobs often show up in want ads and job boards because that the company is looking for many people to slot into new positions in a very short timespan. While this can sometimes make for some decent entry-level opportunities, it's really just another version of the cattle call. It's unlikely that such a mass hiring will put you in a good position to stand out and make your mark.