<p>This has always been the case. You hire people you know can do the job. The laws that require the posting of jobs when someone is already slated for it have created this problem. Makes everyone waste time. </p>
<p>But sometimes, it can get your foot in the door. I applied for a job some years ago, and the job was already filled before I interviewed. But I had a great interview, like the company, it was a great fit and my name was taken down for when an opening should arise. So it’s not a total loss at time. People are always looking for a book of possibliities.</p>