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Original poster

NHS job advert has closed before deadline date! Is there anything I can do?

56 replies

RACorAA · 21/04/2019 18:33

Ive seen a job that I wanted to apply for on the NHS jobs website last weekend. The deadline wasnt until next week, however, when I went back onto the site to continue my application it says that this post is now closed! Its barely been up a week! Can they do this? If I had known, I would have applied sooner but was busy so left it till later.

Im really gutted as I really wanted the job or at least have a crack at applying even!

Can I email HR and aak them to accept my application??!

OP posts:
Justme1981 · 21/04/2019 18:35

Hi

Really sorry you missed out, my understanding is that if they get a large number of applications they cam close early. Might be worth a call though - worst they can say is no.

RidgedPerfection · 21/04/2019 18:35

There's usually some wording on the advert stating that they can close applications before the stated date should they receive a large amount or similar.

icannotremember · 21/04/2019 18:36

The nhs jobs ads always warn they may close early if a lot of applications are received. I don't think you'll be able to submit an application, sorry.

Interested in this thread?

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Jobs
nutellanom · 21/04/2019 18:38

Yes they are closed if they have received loads of applications already. You won't be able to apply now. Such a shame - it's happened to me in the past!

ThroughThickAndThin01 · 21/04/2019 18:40

All the ones I applied for said they’d close early if had enough applicants. Sorry OP. Don’t delay next time.

RosamundDarnley · 21/04/2019 18:41

It usually means the internal candidate they want has now applied.

Original poster
RACorAA · 21/04/2019 18:57

Oh I've just looked at the advert. It bloody does say will close early if receive enough applicants. How many is that though? 50? That would be quite a lot in 6 days.

Never mind. I have learnt my lesson! Just didn't realise this happens.

OP posts:
Murinae · 21/04/2019 18:59

Usually if there is a preferred internal candidate they close it as soon as it’s legal to do so.

Original poster
RACorAA · 21/04/2019 19:03

That would be really shitty if that was the case.

OP posts:
Holywaterrr · 21/04/2019 19:05

It’s code for there being an internal/preferred candidate.

MidsomerBurgers · 21/04/2019 19:05

It usually means the internal candidate they want has now applied.

This.

Prequelle · 21/04/2019 19:06

You would be surprised at how many applicants these sorts of jobs get. Think hundreds in days for some

Prequelle · 21/04/2019 19:06

Cross post

Original poster
RACorAA · 21/04/2019 19:07

So they would still interview external candidates and waste everyone's time?!

OP posts:
captainprincess · 21/04/2019 19:08

This has happened to me. I don't mind so much that they close it early, I mean they do say. But I have been for interviews and then found out it's been filled internally, and was always intended to be. So I take time off work, prepare myself for an interview and try my very best and I was never going to get the job anyway. This is very common in the NHS, the longer I've worked for them the more I have seen this happen.
I know they HAVE to advertise it even if they have someone in mind internally etc but I think it's really shitty and an absolute waste of time (mine and theirs)

MoreSlidingDoors · 21/04/2019 19:08

Usually if there is a preferred internal candidate they close it as soon as it’s legal to do so.

Which law is that then?

NoBaggyPants · 21/04/2019 19:09

Usually if there is a preferred internal candidate they close it as soon as it’s legal to do so.

There's no legal minimum time. There's no legal obligation to advertise at all.

LookImAHooman · 21/04/2019 19:12

I’ve seen listings live and closed within 24 hours before. I understand the NHS can be particularly bad for it but it’s still relatively commonplace. Not condoning it!

50+ in six days would be more than possible for some posts. Check out the stats for ads in popular companies on LinkedIn Jobs.

gamerwidow · 21/04/2019 19:12

If there’s someone internal lined up the post would not normally be put out to external applicants it would normally be advertised as internal only. As a recruiter you have to look at every application in the shortlisting process and you keep the pool as small as possible if you already have someone in mind.
Depending on the job it really could have had 50 plus applications in less than 6 days. I had over 100 applications for a band 3 admin post in just over a week last time I recruited.

NerrSnerr · 21/04/2019 19:12

It depends on the job. In our NHS department we get loads of admin applications at the moment. Psychology assistant jobs close in ours as they're so high demand. No bugger applies for or RMN jobs though.

Original poster
RACorAA · 21/04/2019 19:12

Why don't they just advertise internally then?

OP posts:
NerrSnerr · 21/04/2019 19:13

'Hours' not ours.

gamerwidow · 21/04/2019 19:14

I know they HAVE to advertise it even if they have someone in mind internally
It has to be advertised internally to give staff in need of redeployment a chance but jobs don’t have to go out to external advert.

Prequelle · 21/04/2019 19:18

Like gamer said, if they had someone in mind they would have just kept it internal.

PurpleCrazyHorse · 21/04/2019 19:19

I have filled an internal post. Was preferred candidate, already working in the department (NHS). However I still was against externals and no guarantee as the job is appointed via a points system, although subjective at the interview as lots of it is personal impressions, so some flexibility if I did really poorly. But that's often the same for lots of jobs, internal candidates or people who've been head hunted.