I read quite a few of these "articles" from Apple Insider.

In general, many large institutions or corporations do need a lot of "new" staff because of expansion, turnovers, resignations, retirements, etc. So, they advertise regularly. Lots and lots of them. And, the ones I am familiar with are not the size comparable to Apple, or any of the top 100 corporations.

However, most of the advertised positions are low-level, while higher- and top-level positions ads are formalities -- to avoid any potential legal challenge of discriminations or some other regulations.

Some companies, like Microsoft use "summer internship" to screen the brightest among undergraduates. All expenses paid with lots of fringe benefits. Google has script writing and technical projects programs or "retreats" down to the high school level. I am not sure if Apple has similar programs. I have not read of them. But, these venues are quite critical in scouting the "visionaries" of the future. Or, at least having a database of gifted potential employees.

Higher- and top-level positions usually may prompt a search committee, from within the institution, or through reputable professional head hunters. Normally, the pool top level indviduals in any field are well-known already -- based from their work or reputation among the "inner circle" of the trade. In corporations, it is not unusual that "background checks" are conducted.

Normally, because it is very sensitive, sometimes a "common colleague" may be used as a feeler. Either very subtly (this happens in conferences, and symposia socials) or more directly when there is enough interest, and the "background check" proved a very definite positive asset.

In universities, research institutions or even many biomedical companies, the next stage may be an invitation to present a seminar. Since seminars are so common, the current employer may not even know that the person is consider other avenues, or the host institution, company or organization is recruiting or already negotiating with a prospective higher-level or top-level position.

In prestigious universities, the process for faculty positions (e.g., Assistant Professor) will take about a year, just to reach the first stage. Higher level positions take even longer. It may take several months, or longer after an agreement has been sealed before the finishing touches are made. Then, the filled position is announced.

A dozen or so positions, weekly or monthly? For a company the size of Apple?

Either Apple has almost zero attrition, turnovers, or they are not "investing" enough of their $60billion war chest.

CGC

Just a quick possible suggestions - can we keep a tab on these kinds of stories - to actually see the advert <=> feature release timeframe? I'd imagine hardware and software will be different, with QC/QA roles perhaps coming on board faster -

Sounds like iOS 6 at this point? Though if they're bringing out LBS and NFC, surely they'll want these chaps for iOS5?

Are there any known examples of features going from advert to release?

If location services are so important, why is there no GPS in the basic model iPad 2?