I’ve heard of this before as well. I’ve actually looked at applying for some internal jobs and was told not to bother, because it was the posting for a certain person.
Had it happen for me once as well. A new team was being formed that I was part of. I was given a certain job post ID to apply for that was meant for me. Some people got upset, because they were told to apply for a level 2 position, when they saw a level 3 or 4 position was also out there that they wanted to go for… but the decisions had already been made.
Years after the fact, I was curious if a job opening created for me when a higher-up wanted to bring me in was posted for a bit. If so, other people probably didn't have much of a chance. Although I had some interviews, I don't think I ever even applied to the job through the online system.
That makes me wonder if another one of my promotions was posted. My interview was the manager walking up to me while I was standing off to the side in the lunchroom waiting for someone else, and he simply said, “if anyone asks, I interviewed you.” He then walked away and I had a promotion.
Had it happen for me once as well. A new team was being formed that I was part of. I was given a certain job post ID to apply for that was meant for me. Some people got upset, because they were told to apply for a level 2 position, when they saw a level 3 or 4 position was also out there that they wanted to go for… but the decisions had already been made.