Sunday, April 4, 2010

Wanted: Prime Minister - A belated April Fool job listing

Is it an April Fool that slipped through the net or the work of a comic genius? Either way, this is pure and simply a superbly amusing and well-done job listing to stumble across when browsing the hundreds of entries on the Guardian Jobs website:

Screenshot of Joke Job listingPosted on April 1st, the position to be filled is located at 10 Downing Street, SW1A, London, is a full-time and very competitive posting that will allow the applicant to be "at the very forefront of decision making in the UK, making new laws, setting taxes and attending debates all whilst keeping good relations with other parliamentary members."

Applicants are sought from those who "are highly organised, energetic and motivated Ministers with a distinct ability to remain unflappable even in the most demanding situations i.e. a Jeremy Paxman interview."

In addition, "you must also be an upstanding citizen with an exemplary educational background from a Red Brick University and a personality of national acceptance."

"It is not essential that you possess previous PM experience as on the job training is offered," the advert boasts, however "ultimately, we are looking for a parliamentary heavyweight capable of communicating at all levels with a unique ability to put positive spin on even the most dire scenarios, therefore experience of being economical with the truth is an absolute must."

The successful applicant would be "joining a relaxed and enjoyable working environment" and then, the nitty-gritty of the perks: "great working conditions, an excellent office location, extensive benefits (8 Bed House, Personal expenses, Free Transport, 2nd home + Furnishings.) and excellent remuneration."

If that wasn't already humorous enough, the advert explicitly notes that "previous applicants need not apply". Wonderful stuff.

The listing, while taken in complete good humour, has since been removed from the site - but you can view the complete listing by downloading this PDF (2.68MB).