More wacky hiring practices

As I wrap up my job search, I am prone to reflect on the recent wave of interviews I've been on.

Despite the bad economy, I've managed to score dozens of interviews - on the phone and in person. Ive sent in a resume over 1000 times. I have observed a few trends:

- Many companies don't really know what they want.
This is made worse by the fact that they also have a concept of the "bad economy" ringing in their ears. Makes it difficult to determine what they want. The primary indicator of this is when a company interviews you several times, then turns you down, then re-posts the position.

- Many companies want to under-employ people right now.
They prey on the evening news horror stories of the economy and desperate folks who are without a job... and maybe have been for a year or more... and then take the first thing that comes along. These employers are offering lower wages than they should, and are going after higher quality talent than they would normally be able to get away with. This will bite them - but it might take a year or two.

- Most people do not know how to interview.
There is often no game-plan, or a very skeletal one, at best. They just want to find someone they "click" with. Here's a hint job-hunters: try to secure an interview towards the end to make a better-lasting impression. Folks often hire the last better than average candidate they speak with.

- Too many companies play stupid hiring games.
I have borrowed a saying that states "play stupid games, win stupid prizes." That's exactly what these bozos will get when they play the stupid hiring games. In sales, they often want you to show them the sales process during the interview process... but they don't tell you - you've gotta figure that out. These are also the ones that will interview you a few times, then post the position again... and again.

- Many companies are embarrassed by the salary they offer.
And they should be, given the talent level of the candidates they call. I don't understand what is wrong with putting your salary range out there for folks to see. Those that want a salary in that range will apply. Those that don't want that salary range won't apply.

- Many hiring managers have their minds made up before the interview.
About whether you are a fit. About what you did. About everything. They are not fact finding - they are looking for reasons not to hire you.

- Many posted positions really do not exist.
I would venture at least 25% do not exist. Maybe closer to 50%. That number rises dramatically with recruiters, placement agencies, and employment companies. Exceptions to the last part (and refreshingly so) are Manpower a very few local firms.
Here's a Craigslist posting about just one such firm.