A job ad posted on LinkedIn randomly reveals a pre-selected candidate. The Internet Says “This Is How Corporate Recruiting Works”

A LinkedIn job posting for a Senior Lead Finance Analyst position at a US-based technology company has sparked widespread discussion online after the listing appeared to identify an employee who had already been recommended for the role.

A job posting that was shared publicly on LinkedIn went viral after a job seeker noticed a line in the description that appeared to reveal the identity of a preferred internal candidate. The discovery led to criticism from some social media users who questioned the purpose of advertising a role that appeared to have already been reserved for someone else.

The job seeker notices unusual details in the offer

The controversy began when a job seeker shared a screenshot of the entry on social media and highlighted a section that referenced an employee named Richard Evans.

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Frustrated by what they perceived to be a predetermined recruitment process, the applicant criticized the company’s recruitment team and sarcastically congratulated the employee featured in the ad.

“Congratulations to Richard Evans on landing Sr Lead Fin Analyst at Lumen! In the future when he’s done screwing with external candidates they won’t even consider for a second!”

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The user also added: “F**k those incompetent HR idiots.”

The post quickly gained traction on Reddit and other social media platforms, where users debated whether the footage represented a hiring error or a routine internal process that was inadvertently exposed.

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What the job offer says

The role was advertised as a remote position based in the United States with Lumen Technologies.

The company described the opportunity as one focused on innovation, accountability and support for future connectivity solutions.

“At Lumen, you’ll work on the infrastructure that customers rely on today and build it for what’s to come, where performance, security and resilience matter.

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This is a high-responsibility environment where bold ideas drive real innovation for our customers, partners and the industry. The work is challenging, expectations are clear and trust is built into how we operate. If you’re ready to take ownership, make a meaningful impact. and help shape the future of Al-ready connectivity, join us today.”

However, further down in the description, users noticed a line that seemed to identify the preferred candidate.

“Role: Job Announcement – Richard Evans is recommended for the role of Senior Financial Analyst 342273.”

The rest of the advert outlined the responsibilities of the role.

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“The Senior Lead Finance Analyst will play a key role in managing and optimizing operating expenses (OPEX) across the business. This position combines strong financial acumen with advanced technical skills including Al-driven analysis to deliver action.”

Internet divided into recruitment practices

When screenshots of the list circulated online, many job seekers criticized what they saw as a lack of transparency in the hiring process.

However, others argued that the situation may not be as unusual as it first appeared.

One user wrote: “Alternatively, they could have pretended it was open to anyone, conducted interviews and then hired the person they already intended to hire.”

Another commenter said: “I actually wish companies wouldn’t bother posting jobs and interviewing people if they already know they’re hiring internally. Just promote them without all the rigamarole.”

Some users cite legal and regulatory requirements

Several commenters argued that public jobs are often required by corporate policy, government regulation, or contractual obligations, even when an internal employee is expected to fill the position.

One user explained: “I have to post EVERY job even if it’s an internal transfer, yay, government contracts. The government says we have to give qualified candidates a chance to apply. 5 days or 3 applicants who meet the requirements and I’ll close. I don’t like it, the managers don’t like it, the government doesn’t care.”

Another commenter echoed this, writing: “Besides it being the law, they have to have the position open to anyone. They say they meet a legal requirement without saying it.”

A third user shared a similar experience.

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“Tbh, many companies are required by law to have a workplace under the right circumstances. Many governments and para-governmental organizations require it.”

At my current location, I see someone’s role posted because they are an immigrant and the law requires the company to post an interview for the position. The boss himself personally said that he has no intention of replacing this person, but the law is the law in this case.

I’ll admit it sucks for people like you because it makes noise.”