Today, I was generously given a link to the following Craigslist post:

Hot dog taster needed. Applicant will bite about 1 1/2 inches off hot dogs and complete a 22 question evaluation for each separate hot dog. No condiments permitted (ketchup, mustard, etc.). This is a four day project, about 6 hours per day. Dietary restrictions for lunch. Must be able to consume significant amount of hot dogs. Hot dogs are made out of various meet products.

I had to apply. There was no choice. So I did. Here is my back and forth for your reading pleasure…

Me:

I am interested in this position of “Hot Dog Taster”. To give you a background on myself, I have driven several times to Toronto to eat “50 Toppings Guy” hot dogs. I also have a hot dog roller in my kitchen. I am not lying about either of these solid facts.

Thank you and I hope to hear from you soon.

Them:

This job posting is a hoax

Me:

Yeah? What a bummer. Could you imagine this being a legit position? I should ask, how many replies, including my own, have you gotten. I know that skinny white kids like myself love hot dogs. The love has to travel elsewhere.

Them:

Over 70 replies. Someone with access to my e-mail account posted the ad. It was a funny ad, but many people are looking for work and to them, it is a disappointment.

Me:

I have a job, but this would have been a story to tell people for years to come. How many people can say that they’ve been a food tester and then how many can specifically narrow it down to hot dogs only?

Was it a friend or a clever hack? It’s a pretty good joke if that’s the case, but I understand that just about everyone in or out of work would love to eat hot dogs for $11.50/hr for a week. I too feel bad for those people that legitimately wanted a job. The last few days must have been hard on your email. That being said, it’s easily one of those “too good to be true” situations.

Them:

Probably an inside job. No damage done.

A man can dream…