Originally Posted by greenerpastures

happens all the time. not just for government, but other companies.

could mean one of the following:

(i) the role you applied for is filled, but they still think you're decent

(ii) they don't think you're suitable for the role u applied for, but are suitable for the other other

(iii) the hiring needs for that other role is more urgent

(iv) less likely - the pay in the current role does not match what you want, but it matches the other role better