I'm afraid that you may not have too many rights/options here.  It is not illegal to open up positions to outsiders without first offering them to existing employees.  In most states employment relationships are what is known as "at will", including CT.  What this means is that an employer can hire or fire someone for any reason or no reason whatsoever. It can also increase/decrease salary/hours, promote/demote, and generally impose requirements as it sees fit.  YAn employeein turn can work for an employer or not, their choice. However, there are exceptions.  For example, a stated company policy contrary to this or a union/employment agreement that does not allow for such action.  Additionally, if this situation has arisen due to some type of discrimination (i.e., for reasons due to race, religion, age, disability, sex, national origin).  Absent any of the foregoing, your employer's action does not violate the law.