To wonder if anyone has ever had a job earmarked for them?

[SnugShaker]

I’ve heard of situations where a job is advertised but it’s essentially made with someone specific in mind. Sometimes, it feels like the best candidates in interviews are just part of a formality, and other times, a job is put out there so a particular person can apply. And then, when that person does apply, the job mysteriously gets closed.

Has anyone had this happen to them or am I just being paranoid?

I had this happen to me. My manager left the role, we all knew I had technically been doing his job anyway and I was told to apply by the big boss who would be making the decision. There was one other internal contender but once he realised I had applied he acknowledged that he shouldn't have bothered. An external contender from another branch applied and bragged that the job was his on a store visit, it didn't help him.
I got the job as we all knew I would