Short closing dates-worth applying?

[thiswayplease]

I've seen a job I'm considering applying for but the closing date for applications is only a week after being advertising.

Would it be wrong to assume that there is someone lined up for the job and the employer is just going through the motions?

I'd probably think someone has left them at short notice and they need someone urgently

It depends on the role but in my experience, short closing dates usually mean an internal/preferred candidate

If it's a good job, it's still worth applying - if only for the experience if they go through the motions as you might get an interview.

They've probably got someone in mind but apply anyway -you've nothing to lose

It's local authority if that makes a difference?

I've just been through the motions with another employer and got to the last two only for it to go to an internal candidate so not really wanting to put myself through that again. I have had experience of LA recruitment process and would have thought that the job would have been advertised internally if there was someone in mind....

Might go over job description again and have a think about it tonight, closing date is tomorrow

They could still have an internal candidate but in a different department but felt obliged to advertise externally (eg to ensure they comply with equal opportunities).

Even especially if they do, you should take confidence that you got to the last two last time - so you did well Maybe these time you'll do one better!

Maybe HR took their time getting the advertisement out and therefore bent the rules they made up to save face. Apply. Nothing to lose

I used to put adverts out with a weeks closing date because we needed someone asap and it didn't necessarily mean there was an internal candidate

Can't hurt to apply

Thanks for all your replies, I will apply there's no harm in doing so. Fingers crossed

Depends on the experience / qualifications required. Sometimes if there are lots of people who may be eligible a short closing date is a way of keeping the number of applications down to a reasonable size. A nearby university advertises roles and gives a closing date but with the rider that they may close it before if applications become too numerous.

We're currently doing some recruitment and due to the time it's taken to get various approvals the closing date was only 10 days after we advertised. We don't have anyone in mind.

Thanks for all your input-application is in! Will keep you posted

Possibly. I've had experience of both scenarios. If in doubt give it a shout is my motto. It's served me fairly well.