Recruiting has always been a world of mystery, polite half-truths, and phrases so universal they could be printed on souvenir mugs. But sometimes, behind these perfectly polished expressions, there’s a job so oddly specific, so hilariously niche, that the euphemisms start sounding like clues in a cosmic treasure hunt.
Welcome to the hidden universe of strange jobs—decoded through the 10 most overused recruitment lines on the planet.
1. “We’re still reviewing applications.”
Translation: We forgot this role existed, but your patience is inspiring.
Behind this line? Roles like Professional Line Standers, humans who literally get paid to hold a spot in line for someone too important—or too smart—to do it themselves. If they can wait 12 hours for the newest iPhone, they can absolutely wait three months for feedback from HR.
2. “We’ll keep your résumé on file.”
Ah yes, the HR version of ghosting with dignity.
This phrase usually masks positions like Golf Ball Divers, brave souls who retrieve wayward golf balls from ponds, mud pits, and questionable bodies of water. Their résumés don’t get kept “on file”—they get hosed down.
3. “We’re looking for a rockstar.”
Spoiler: the job rarely involves a stage, a mic, or fans throwing roses.
Sometimes, the “rockstar” job is something wild like Pet Food Taster—yes, a real thing—requiring a brave palate and a level of commitment that deserves a Grammy.
4. “Do you have experience in a fast-paced environment?”
For most companies this means multitasking. In the world of strange jobs, it means becoming a Theme Park Mascot, sprinting from photo ops to parades while sweating in a polyester animal suit. If that’s not fast-paced, nothing is.
5. “We’re looking for someone who can hit the ground running.”
Perfect for jobs like Professional Furniture Tester, where you literally hit the couch, the bed, and the recliner. Repeatedly. Too many cushions? Too few? You’re the judge, jury, and nap enthusiast.
6. “We’ll get back to you soon.”
This could mean tomorrow… or when Halley’s Comet returns.
Meanwhile, some companies use this phrase when hiring Iceberg Movers, people who tow icebergs away from ships. And guess what? Those actually do need immediate decisions.
7. “We need someone who can wear multiple hats.”
Sometimes literal.
For example, Movie Set Stand-Ins wear wigs, costumes, capes, and occasionally prosthetic noses… all before lunch. This line suddenly makes a lot more sense.
8. “Salary is competitive.”
A phrase recruiters use when the paycheck is either amazing… or suspiciously mysterious.
Strange jobs like Snake Milk Extractor fall into this category. Competitive salary? Sure. Transparent? Absolutely not.
9. “Culture fit is really important to us.”
Translation: Do you vibe with our chaos?
Especially important in jobs like Foley Artist, where you smash celery to make bone-cracking noises or wiggle tape to imitate dragon wings. Culture is EVERYTHING when your office sounds like a haunted farmers market.
10. “We went with another candidate who’s a better fit.”
This one hits.
But sometimes the role is so oddly specific—say, Train Pusher in Japan, whose job is literally pushing people into crowded subway cars—that “better fit” becomes hilariously literal.
Final Thoughts
Strange jobs aren’t just curiosities—they’re reminders that work doesn’t have to look like a cubicle and a laptop. And next time you hear a suspiciously polished recruitment phrase, remember: it might be hiding the coolest, weirdest, most unexpectedly fun job out there.
