On January 12, 2009, the Australian Queensland Tourist Board started advertising for a position they referred to as ‘the best job in the world.’ It is basically a six-month paid vacation on the gorgeous Hamilton Island, which has year-round sunshine, sandy beaches, warm lagoons and sea life galore. The job (‘island caretaker’) doesn’t require any academic qualifications, although you need to be a good swimmer, enjoy snorkeling, scuba diving and have the ability to create and maintain an online blog — weekly reports via blogging, a photo diary and video updates. The successful candidate will live rent free in a luxury three-bedroom villa with pool on the island and return home $150,000 AUS richer.
Not surprisingly, around 850,000 visitors piled on to islandreefjob.com during the first day, in a bid to clinch the “the best job in the world.” It comes without saying that all those dreamers crashed the server hosting the website, since applications are open for everyone over 18 who is eligible for a visa.
To enter the first phase of the selection process, potential candidates need to create a 60 second or less application video in English, explaining why they are the best person for the job in an entertaining way.
Sounds like the job for you? Start working on your application video. But beware of these mistakes!
1. You lazy bum, don’t read from a script (and let us catch you)!
“People are not lazy. They simply have impotent goals / that is, goals that do not inspire them.”
— Anthony Robbins
Perhaps working on a hot tropical island leaves Poppy cold and uninspired. Smash them with that genuine enthusiasm, Poppy!
2. Don’t try to break necks… it’s not funny.
While Natasha here may be bottomless, she does NOT show enough skin to make anyone risk neck injury (well maybe you might if you’re her stalker). And since applications containing nudity will not be accepted, don’t try going further, just have your video look the way it’s supposed to.
Show us more skin! I mean, good luck!
3. Show yourself, unless you are… a photograph!?
Massimiliano, a decent guy from Italy, thought that the Queensland Tourist Board is advertising for photographs instead of people. Or perhaps he is reincarnated as one and wants the job. The other possibility is that he’s applying on behalf of the Photographs ‘R’ People Too foundation.
Hope the tropical sun won’t burn his colors.
4. Whoawhoawewa!
“I am very strong physique and I can hold a very large woman down for 3 hours… I am strong, I can throw rock at a gypsy from 15 metres. 10 metre if I am chained up.” (Borat)
Luck good, Ivan!
5. Don’t record your video while a radioactive-killer-orange is walking around.
If you say you’re ready to give everything for the job but you’re not giving your time, your chances of getting it are probably negative.
OMG WATCH OUT FOR THE ORANGE!!1!
We hope Nina lived and we wish her luck!
6. Don’t record your video in a bunker with no light.
Will pay $500 USD to anyone who notices any trace of enthusiasm, creativity or presentation skill in this video.
Nevermind that, Craig told us this was his submission for the Cheap Ghost Movies Festival. He used the wrong upload page. (still not impressed)
If he gets the job, all the sun on Hamilton Island will probably burn him to ashes. (don’t worry Craig, your life is safe)
7. Don’t do a ‘hai! bai!’ video.
icanhascheezburger.com is hiring.
You must be a cat though…
8. Don’t be awkward.
Why did the chicken cross the road? It’s probably the same reason why Mark recorded this video. A test of luck.
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This post might have a second part coming up tomorrow. There will also be a how to get ‘the best job in the world’ post very soon!
Also, good luck to all participants! (all the ones above included)
intro photograph by: Queensland Tourist Board?
