&gt;&gt; &quot;Read ad. ad.  Send in resume.  Go to job interview.  Receive offer.” is the exception, not the typical case, for getting employment: Most jobs are never available publicly, just like most worthwhile candidates are not available publicly.  Information about the position travels at approximately the speed of beer, sometimes lubricated by email. [1]<p>In my experience taking a job the formal way is like getting married after 5 dates. Pure gambling. And this is true for both parties. That is why you as an employer hire former co-workers you get on well with, your friends or friends&#x27; friends for the good positions and strangers for the shitty ones.<p>I hope this answers your question.<p>[1] <a href="http:&#x2F;&#x2F;www.kalzumeus.com&#x2F;2011&#x2F;10&#x2F;28&#x2F;dont-call-yourself-a-programmer&#x2F;" rel="nofollow">http:&#x2F;&#x2F;www.kalzumeus.com&#x2F;2011&#x2F;10&#x2F;28&#x2F;dont-call-yourself-a-pro...</a>