I look at the job boards or classified ads, find an open position or Help Wanted ad, go to apply for it, only to be told that they "aren't hiring, but we are taking applications..."   Then why do you have an ad running for an AVAILABLE POSITION?  If you need a Future Employee, or have Seasonal Positions coming up, and you are only taking applications for that, then SAY THAT IN THE AD.  Many of us are looking for jobs that start ASAP, so we don't have time for these games.  Resumes are not free to put together or to print.  Gas is not free.  My time is not free.    Is there some sort of secret kickback  to companies that claim to be hiring?

I look at the job boards or classified ads, find an open position or Help Wanted ad, go to apply for it, only to be told that they "aren't hiring, but we are taking applications..."   Then why do you have an ad running for an AVAILABLE POSITION? 
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My guess is that the advertised job was earmarked for a specific person.






Resumes are not free to put together or to print.
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This is true, but some companies allow (or even require) electronic applications. It costs nothing to e-mail a Word document.