From Asheville to Australia: Going for the ‘greatest job in the world’

Jason Sandford

Jason Sandford is a reporter, writer, blogger and photographer interested in all things Asheville.

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There’s no doubt about it. It is a dream job.

In the next few months, Australia’s tourism arm wants to hire someone to live on an island off the coast and explore the island and its main attraction — the Great Barrier Reef — all with an eye toward pumping up the tourism business, of course. The job pays $150,000 (Australian) dollars and provides a free place to stay for a six-month contract that starts in July.

I want that job. 

Now here’s the fun part. Anybody can apply. That’s right. Anybody, including me. There’s an online application to form to fill out, and applicants must provide a 60-second video. Applicants who make the initial video cut will be asked to take a writing test, a personality test and in the end, 10 people will be invited to show up for a face-to-face interview in May. One other person, a wild card, will be voted on by the public and invited.

Here’s where you come in. I need your advice and some technical help. The video production is going to be key, and I’m looking for someone who has a better camera than I, and someone with better editing skills (that’s just about everybody). Also, I’ll be in need of a few props.

I’ve already got a basic script outlined for my little vid, but I’m interested in your ideas. How should I sell myself? I’m thinking “erudite explorer,” but fear the Australian powers that be might want more perk. I figure I’ll also have to overcome what I’m calling the “bikini factor” — the natural inclination for anyone with a young hot bod to ride that attribute all the way to the winner’s circle.

So what appeals to the folks Down Under? How can I effectively sell myself? How can I land the Greatest Job in the World? Do I stand the remotest chance of getting past stage one?

Help me now and you can come visit!!!

My buddy Anthony has already started on a logo: