hoba
ENUA

Systemic contradictions

Recurring patterns

Named structural double binds and recurring dilemmas where individually rational decisions combine into systemic hiring deadlocks.

IDTitleRequired observationsCompatible mechanismsInterventionsEvidence
pat.closed_then_reposted_requisition_motifClosed-Then-Reposted Requisition Motif

A candidate completes multiple late-stage interviews, is rejected with a generic message, and sees the identical role reposted weeks later.

obs.position_closed_after_final_interview_without_hire, obs.materially_similar_role_reposted_shortly_after_rejectionmech.stronger_competing_candidate_in_final_cohort, mech.stale_or_orphaned_job_requisition, mech.hidden_evaluation_rubric_or_undisclosed_priority, mech.mid_process_role_requirement_redefinitionint.auto_close_stale_job_requisitions, int.standardized_late_stage_rejection_feedback_taxonomy, int.recorded_finalist_standing_with_a_dated_re_entry_routesupported
pat.compensation_double_bindCompensation Double Bind

The candidate has to name a compensation expectation first: a high number ends the process, and a low one lowers the level the candidate is assessed at.

obs.generic_closer_alignment_rejection_template, obs.compensation_band_reduced_or_altered_mid_processmech.unstated_compensation_band_discrepancy, mech.experience_age_grading_mismatchint.upfront_compensation_band_disclosuresupported
pat.experience_age_impossibilityExperience-Age Impossibility

A requisition requires more years of hands-on experience with a specific framework or tool than that technology has existed in the open-source ecosystem.

obs.generic_closer_alignment_rejection_template, obs.rejection_within_minutes_of_application_submissionmech.automated_keyword_qualification_filter, mech.inflated_requisition_requirements_vs_actual_team_needsint.candidate_ats_parser_conformance_test_utilitysupported
pat.seniority_double_bindSeniority Double Bind

The same candidate is rejected as overqualified for junior and mid-level roles and as underqualified, or not specialised enough, for staff and leadership roles.

obs.generic_closer_alignment_rejection_template, obs.feedback_stating_candidate_is_overqualified_for_the_grademech.genuine_technical_skill_shortfall, mech.unstated_compensation_band_discrepancy, mech.experience_age_grading_mismatchint.upfront_compensation_band_disclosure, int.standardized_late_stage_rejection_feedback_taxonomysupported
pat.closed_then_reposted_requisition_motifClosed-Then-Reposted Requisition Motifpat.compensation_double_bindCompensation Double Bindpat.experience_age_impossibilityExperience-Age Impossibilitypat.seniority_double_bindSeniority Double Bind
Patternpat.closed_then_reposted_requisition_motifsupported

Closed-Then-Reposted Requisition Motif

A candidate completes multiple late-stage interviews, is rejected with a generic message, and sees the identical role reposted weeks later.

Establishes:

  • The prior process ended without placing this candidate, and a materially similar public listing appeared within the stated interval.

Does NOT establish:

  • Does not establish that the original job listing was fake or a ghost job.
  • Does not establish that the candidate was intentionally misled.
Required observations:obs.position_closed_after_final_interview_without_hireobs.materially_similar_role_reposted_shortly_after_rejectionInterventions:int.auto_close_stale_job_requisitionsint.standardized_late_stage_rejection_feedback_taxonomyint.recorded_finalist_standing_with_a_dated_re_entry_route
Patternpat.compensation_double_bindsupported

Compensation Double Bind

The candidate has to name a compensation expectation first: a high number ends the process, and a low one lowers the level the candidate is assessed at.

Establishes:

  • The candidate's compensation number was requested before the role's band was disclosed, creating an information asymmetry at that point in the process.

Does NOT establish:

  • Does not establish that the employer has an unlimited budget, or that any of this is malicious.
Required observations:obs.generic_closer_alignment_rejection_templateobs.compensation_band_reduced_or_altered_mid_processInterventions:int.upfront_compensation_band_disclosure
Patternpat.experience_age_impossibilitysupported

Experience-Age Impossibility

A requisition requires more years of hands-on experience with a specific framework or tool than that technology has existed in the open-source ecosystem.

Establishes:

  • The published numeric requirement exceeds the technology's age; if an ATS log shows the same threshold running, the impossible requirement was also operational.

Does NOT establish:

  • Does not establish who authored or reviewed the requirement, or that it caused a rejection unless an operational rule or decision record confirms that link.
Required observations:obs.generic_closer_alignment_rejection_templateobs.rejection_within_minutes_of_application_submissionInterventions:int.candidate_ats_parser_conformance_test_utility
Patternpat.seniority_double_bindsupported

Seniority Double Bind

The same candidate is rejected as overqualified for junior and mid-level roles and as underqualified, or not specialised enough, for staff and leadership roles.

Establishes:

  • Within one market cycle, the candidate received stated outcomes placing them above one level and below the adjacent level.

Does NOT establish:

  • Does not establish that the candidate lacks market value.
  • Does not establish malice or coordinated collusion between employers.
Required observations:obs.generic_closer_alignment_rejection_templateobs.feedback_stating_candidate_is_overqualified_for_the_gradeInterventions:int.upfront_compensation_band_disclosureint.standardized_late_stage_rejection_feedback_taxonomy