- very efficient
- least expensive (time and cost minimal)
- no interviews of internal candidates, saving management time and effort
- can get someone to start in the position quicker
- more apt to find applicant with specialized KSAs
- bring in new "blood" with fresh ideas
Disadvantages:
- high legal risk because of closing the process off to minorities and female candidates
- legal risk -- better be confident there are no qualified internal candidates
- can't identify hidden talent
- morale of existing staff could suffer due to feelings of being left out of the process