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Topic: curious spec in job description
| Author | Message |
| psandqs | Posted – 8/14/2007 10:42:59 AM | show profile This from the AARP copy-editing job listed on the mediabistro job board: ? Demonstrate WORLD CLASS cultural attributes and behaviors in all interactions. What do you think that means, exactly? Not belching in between sentences? Or not ending sentences with the word "jackass" when addressing someone with whom you have a difference of opinion? Seriously, how bad are things over at AARP that they have to specifically request appropriate conduct in a job ad? |
| mad fingers | Posted – 8/14/2007 10:51:43 AM | show profile Perhaps AARP should sponsor the Cultural Attributes Olympics. |
| Mag Girl | Posted – 8/14/2007 11:07:34 AM | show profile I don't see the point or worth of addressing such an issue in a job ad. In my experience, those who are most devoid of class and culture are also the ones least aware of their lacking. |
| writesonwater | Posted – 8/14/2007 11:10:00 AM | show profile That's a hoot! cultural attributes and behaviors. So are the behaviors cultural as well? Whose culture are they looking at? I wouldn't object to something like "Demonstrates top-notch people skills" -- which would be more to the point. Are they delicately trying to get at things like dress, appearance and demeanor? They SURE DO NEED A COPY EDITOR, I'll give them that much ... |
| writesonwater | Posted – 8/14/2007 11:10:05 AM | show profile That's a hoot! cultural attributes and behaviors. So are the behaviors cultural as well? Whose culture are they looking at? I wouldn't object to something like "Demonstrates top-notch people skills" -- which would be more to the point. Are they delicately trying to get at things like dress, appearance and demeanor? They SURE DO NEED A COPY EDITOR, I'll give them that much ... |
| writesonwater | Posted – 8/14/2007 11:10:45 AM | show profile You can say that again ... oh. you did. |
| Janetblueyes | Posted – 8/14/2007 11:30:25 AM | show profile Given my penchant for belching and peppering my speech with the word "fucktard," I guess I am out of the running for this position. |
| jjones | Posted – 8/14/2007 12:14:46 PM | show profile I think it means "white" What else could "cultural attributes" mean? |
| catlondon | Posted – 8/14/2007 12:25:36 PM | show profile Actually, I though it meant please don't wear flips flops and jeans that show your thong to work. AARP has an older demographic (duh) from a much more formal time. At one of my former jobs, the higher ups, all older people of various cultures, refused to work with the highly paid and very well-known marketing consultant until he started wearing a suit to their meetings. They were insulted by his informal attire, dress and manner, which they felt showed disrespect to them and their work. So when I saw this, that's the first thing I though of. |
| writesonwater | Posted – 8/14/2007 3:55:06 PM | show profile Cat, I thought that too -- but what an odd way to say it! |
| catlondon | Posted – 8/14/2007 4:17:07 PM | show profile Okay, I looked up WORLD CLASS on the AARP website and it's a mnemonic, like Every Good Boy Does Fine. Each letter stands for something. "W" in WORLD stands for Walk the Talk. It is weirdly out of context in a job posting, but if you are applying for the jobs, I would suggest going to the AARP website and reading it over for background. |
| writesonwater | Posted – 8/14/2007 6:58:38 PM | show profile Oh, an IQ test! ;) Is that kind of like how you're not supposed to apply for any jobs with sets of initials that you don't know what they stand for? (LMSW, whatever) Code to see if you're familiar with their culture? Clever idea, checking out their website. I usually do that with posts I'm interested in. Works for me if it stands for Witty Omniscrivent Raconteur with Lovely Descriptive powers. But I'm thinking not. |
| psandqs | Posted – 8/14/2007 7:15:53 PM | show profile I am chastened and unworthy. |
| foto | Posted – 8/15/2007 12:14:36 AM | show profile So Janet, who would you describe as a "fucktard?" Very good word. |
| writesonwater | Posted – 8/15/2007 12:55:48 AM | show profile PS, you may be in luck. I think chastened and unworthy is what they're going for ... |
