prachisrivas, Academic job tagline: 'Come work here/with me'.
'OK, I'm in. Give it to me. Thanks.'
Ridiculous.
Having been on both ends, the reality is ~300 people apply for one post and 3 to 5 are shortlisted. Many times, there's an internal candidate if not already working there, then someone with a #PhD or #Postdoc or close professional ties with the department.
One should still apply and hope. But, the disingenuousness should stop.