Are government job advertisements just a box-ticking exercise?

If you've applied for a government job recently in New Zealand, you might have noticed a familiar pattern: the role is advertised, hopeful candidates invest time and effort into their applications, only to be told— weeks later—that the position has been filled by an internal candidate. I’ve had job seekers report this happening multiple times, with one individual sharing that it occurred six times in a row. So, the question is: Are government job advertisements just a box-ticking exercise?

I want to complain about this on behalf of all of us really - it feels another example of process for process sake, or as one of my mentors once said, the NZ Government excels when it comes to designing concrete life jackets.

What’s the problem?

There’s growing frustration that many public sector job postings are simply a procedural requirement rather than genuine opportunities for new talent. If the successful candidate was always going to be an internal hire, why go through the charade? The costs—both financial and emotional—are significant. The government wastes money on recruitment processes, job seekers waste their time and goodwill, and trust in the system erodes.

No recognition of the bigger picture

All of this is unfolding against the backdrop of sweeping government downsizing. Month after month, public sector layoffs continue, as ministries and agencies scramble to meet budget cuts. The disruption is immense, with workers navigating constant restructures, uncertainty, and dwindling morale. This loss of productivity, as people focus on saving their jobs rather than delivering outcomes, is staggering.

The economic impact is also undeniable. Wellington, traditionally the stronghold of government employment, is feeling the pinch. Cafés and retail stores are shuttering as the once-reliable foot traffic from public servants declines. The ripple effects extend beyond government buildings, affecting the entire business ecosystem that relies on a thriving public sector.

Adding to the complexity is the sharp decline in entry-level government roles. As I highlighted in a previous blog post ("The Graduate Crisis"), the lack of opportunities for graduates is a ticking time bomb for New Zealand’s talent pipeline. Without early-career positions, where will the next generation of public sector leaders come from? I digress.

Time for a rethink

If this is the default behaviour then government must address whether their hiring processes are truly serving the public interest, or simply maintaining bureaucratic inertia. Transparency and honesty in recruitment practices could save not only money but also restore faith in the system.

So, are these job listings genuine opportunities? or just a performance for the sake of process? And more importantly, what can be done to fix the growing cracks in the public sector workforce and its impact on the broader economy?

Let’s start the conversation. If this has happened to you, or if you know who I should be talking to about the reports I’m getting - drop me a line info@itp.nz