Not Every Job Posting is REAL

“Not Every Job Posting Is Really an Open Competition”

Many professionals spend hours applying for jobs on LinkedIn, tailoring resumes, and writing cover letters, only to receive no response. One reason is that some positions already have strong internal candidates or referred candidates before the job is publicly advertised. 

In many organizations, posting the role is simply part of the recruitment process and compliance requirements, even when there is a preferred candidate in mind. According to the 2025 Job Seeker Nation Report by Employ Inc., networking and employee referrals continue to play a significant role in successful hiring, while many applicants never receive a response after applying online. Does that mean applying is a waste of time? Not at all. Some opportunities are genuinely open and can change careers. 

However, job seekers should understand that online applications are only one part of the game. Instead of relying only on online applications, invest time in optimizing your LinkedIn profile, building meaningful professional relationships, and continuously improving your skills. Platforms like Coursera Professional Certificates and Google Career Certificates can help you gain in-demand credentials that make your profile stand out. 

Career experts from Harvard Business Review and the Indeed Career Guide consistently emphasize that networking, continuous learning, and personal branding often have a greater impact than submitting hundreds of applications. Keep applying. Keep learning. Keep networking. But don't rely solely on the "Easy Apply" button to build your career. The strongest candidates don't just search for opportunities, they build expertise, expand their network, and make themselves impossible to ignore.