how many is "a number" of people?

[Iwillneverbesatisfied]

I'm applying for my dream job and hoping to hear tomorrow as to whether I got through to the next round. Apparently there are a number of roles to be filled, that's good, right? Means I have more chance of getting one? Except I have no idea how many roles is 'a number'. Can anyone who recruits tell me what 'a number' is in their eyes?

There is a LOT of competition for this role and I'm nervous. On paper I am more qualified and experienced than them all but that's only the ones I know about and obviously they could all have better personalities or what than me.

I'm so nervous!

I wish they would just say we have 2/3/4 roles or whatever, not 'a number' because then I'd have a better idea of my chances.

I would assume that ‘a number’ of open posts would be 3+ as if it were fewer than that, they would just say two or ‘a couple’.

I understand that you are very stressed, but logically, knowing the number of roles available doesn't make any difference at this point.

You will find out tomorrow whether you got through to next round (and I really hope you did!). Knowing whether you have a 1/10 chance or a 1/100 chance doesn't actually make any difference to the outcome.

How do you know who else is applying?

Is it through an agency? If so I’d be suspicious it was totally legit, honestly. Sometimes that’s just a way to get people onto their books, then the ‘dream job’ evaporates and you’re offered a lower, less attractive role. But perhaps I’m cynical. Bah humbug!

Seriously though - “a number” of roles probably doesn’t mean “a number of dream roles” ...

it was posted on LinkedIn by the employer and a LOT of people applied. I had a nosey at their profiles. Some very good candidates.

Would knowing the number make any difference? Obvioulsy there's no definition but wouldn't it be better if you get an interview to do your best and act like there's only one position

What kind of role is it?

Hmm, I know a few people who have been scammed by LinkedIn ‘vacancies’ recently. Either it turned out to be a totally different job or they were strung along through an interview process only to find out they were expected to (illegally) do three months of unpaid training. I’m wary of anything I see on there.

Does it specify full or part time? If not, then it might depend on what their preferred candidates are looking for in terms of hours.

What sort of role is it? How large is the organisation? How have the roles arisen? If it’s, for example, something like Customer Services Advisor or Account Manager or Data Analyst for a big company who are creating a new department or opening a new branch then it could be any number from 3 to 20 plus. A small company or a more senior, specialist role and it’s almost certainly going to be at the lower end of that range.

@amusedbush

Hmm, I know a few people who have been scammed by LinkedIn ‘vacancies’ recently. Either it turned out to be a totally different job or they were strung along through an interview process only to find out they were expected to (illegally) do three months of unpaid training. I’m wary of anything I see on there.

Also how many employers are taking on multiples of roles at the moment?

It could literally be anything upwards of 2. I would say ‘a number of vacancies’ if a) I couldn’t remember exactly how many or b) if the actual number was somewhat flexible I.e. sometimes we put an advert out and will recruit only the real standout people, rather than recruiting to fill a set number of roles.

Its a national charity. The role is permanent working from home. The post said they'd take on 'a number' of people depending on the hours they wanted to work (there is a choice of full time or part time) they are very big on flexible working it seems and home working.

Well that's the answer. They don't know how many.