To be annoyed that people dont actually WANT people to apply when they advertise jobs?

[OiYouThere]

...because they already have the post filled, but have to go through the motions?

It is very annoying. Especially when you only find out AFTER you have applied and got your head into the midset of going back to work and all that entails, and whilst being apprehensive about it, you are actually starting to look forward to it. Because I CAN do the job. Absolutely can. I am WAY over qualified for it. Which is fine, as when they asked WHY I wanted such a post I would wax lyrical about fitting in family commitments and such. Frankly, I would KICK ASS at this job.

BUT, the interviews are next week. The applications closed a few days ago. And I have heard NADA. Which basically means that they are NOT going to call me for an interview as they have already got someone in place - the current 'temporary' replacement. They would not give only a few days notice for an interview would they? The fuckers havent even acknowledged my application has been received (which I know it has).

Sorry - I am in Private Sector - am sure same rules to not apply to public and it is very different system to apply. Also sure this sort of thing is more common with them as they HAVE to advertise for Equal Opps etc. But what a waste to time and public money not to mention being totally infuraiting and almost cruel to people trying to get a job

NHS is very prone to this.

However in their job spec/person spec they tend to say "tea boy required. Ability to make coffee an advantage. Must have at least 2 years experience of working in an NHS Primary Care Trust"

Catgirl, Meglet is correct.
Public sector jobs have person specifications with up to 25 criteria on and you need to address all of them, as they score based on how far you have met each and every criteria. Hence my 4000 word documents - I do usually get shortlisted so I know that unfortunately, this is necessary.
I can obviously spend a whole day on one application, so to find out it's already going to an internal candidate means I've wasted a day of my life for fuck all.