When I was most recently looking for a job here in Connecticut, it seemed like every job posting had "PHP", "Python", or even ".NET" in the title, and then required 4+ years or so of Java as well. With no explanation.
I just assumed the poster had no idea what they are talking about, and moved on.
I get a lot of emails from recruiters who obviously have no idea that Java and Javascript are different languages. I wonder if many of those postings should have said "Javascript" instead.
Anyone who says I'm a "strong candidate" for a big-corp Java job requiring 6+ years of Java experience after looking at my resume is very confused and won't be getting a call.
Bingo. This was definitely the case for a recent local freelancing/consulting job post; an associate took up the position and tipped me off to the Java/JavaScript mixup (though I don't think the post asked for X years experience).
Something to consider though... if they can't even accurately name the language, can they really judge the experience required in said language?
If you are still looking, I am part of a startup in Connecticut who is hiring. We don't require 4+ years of Java experience, but we won't discriminate if you have it. We primarily work in Python but mobile app development requires us to branch out. We'd love to talk to you. Shoot me an email at jobs~at~raditaz~dot~com.
My interpretation is that spurious requirements for Java/C# experience are a Labor Law-friendly way (if applicable) of restricting the position to the overqualified. Getting a CS person to work in PHP implies an employee with low prospects and thus can be paid a lower salary.
I just assumed the poster had no idea what they are talking about, and moved on.
(Edited for grammar)