Ask Slashdot: Why Are Tech Job Requirements So Specific?

First time accepted submitter hurwak-feg writes "I am in the market for a new IT (software development or systems administration) job for the first time and several years and noticed that many postings have very specific requirements (i.e. specific models of hardware, specific software versions). I don't understand this. I like working with people that have experience with technologies that I don't because what they are familiar with might be a better solution for a problem than what I am familiar with. Am I missing something or are employers making it more difficult for themselves and job seekers by rejecting otherwise qualified candidates that don't meet a very specific mold. Is there a good reason for being extremely specific in job requirements that I am just not seeing?"

Comments

Re:To hire specific people

[Lodlaiden]

The "To hire specific people" may be spot on. Sometimes an employer will write a job posting as a way of promoting an internal employee, though they have to post it as an open req for staff, so it doesn't look like favoritism(sp?).