usually there's only a few open positions. after a long process of phone screens and on-sites, you might have five viable candidates but only two slots at that

usually there's only a few open positions. after a long process of phone screens and on-sites, you might have five viable candidates but only two slots at that particular time. if you would have been happy to hire any of the remaining three if the first two didn't accept your offer, you might encourage them to apply again later.