> The only reason this makes sense is because they’re _afraid_ somebody qualified will actually apply. The process isn't cheap and isn't easy. All things equa

> The only reason this makes sense is because they’re _afraid_ somebody qualified will actually apply. The process isn't cheap and isn't easy. All things equal regarding the employee and candidate, why would they be afraid of finding a suitable replacement? They aren't afraid of finding someone qualified. They are afraid of finding someone who is not. They are not allowed to over-specify the job posting, and are not allowed to require something like years of proprietary knowledge. The employee and the candidate both have to be treated like fresh hires. Edit: for example, in the Jony Ive green card process, a fresh University graduate would be able to displace him as a candidate. All of his experience was proprietary (gained while working at Apple) and therefore ineligible for consideration.