You can't make this stuff up....

I have been struck recently by the level of desperation we have been seeing from job seekers. It is real-life insight into the economic challenges that Americans are facing. We ask candidates to answer a series of 5-6 pre-screening questions as they submit their resumes. The first question asks why the candidate is seeking a new position. We used to get a wide range of responses, but recently almost every candidate has been laid off. I feel for people in this situation and we really try to find a fit whenever possible.

But, I received one response this morning that I couldn't help but share.

Q: What circumstances bring you to apply for this position today?
A: The usual...unemployment, going to loose the house, can't feed the kids.

Q: Please describe your skill level with Microsoft Excel.
A: Intermediate to expert...what I don't know I teach myself as I need it. I haven't had to use pivot tables yet or write macros but it's nothing I couldn't figure out with a book, a few hours to kill and a couple of pina coladas.

Q: When are you available to start?

A: Immediately. Well, unless a drug test is required and then I need to wait to get some stuff out of my system. No just kidding, it's late and I'm tired.

Seriously, you can't make this stuff up.....

Happy Monday!