(P)review of @CBS "The Job"

by Matthew Stollak on Monday, January 28, 2013


Are you ready for a HR gameshow?

With unemployment hovering above 7%, and millions of people looking for a new opportunity, it was inevitable that someone would create a show focusing on the job search.  Premiering on CBS on Friday, February 8 at 8/7 Central,, Mark Burnett of "Survivor" fame and Michael Davies, the Executive Producer of "Who Wants to Be a Millionaire" have created "The Job," which centers on five qualified applicants who compete to land their dream job.

In the first episode, five individuals with varied restaurant experience vie for the Assistant Manager position at a legendary Palm Restaurant.  With a panel of three high-ranking Palm employees observing the candidates, a number of selection exercises are employed to cull the field:


  • A work sample test - At a Palm Restaurant, the candidates are asked to carry several of the tasks that an Assistant Manager would be expected to perform
  • A knowledge test - candidates are quizzed by the panel of three on their knowledge of the restaurant and the type of food served (for example, "Littleneck and Cherrystone are types of what food item?")
  • Co-worker familiarity - Given the Palm's emphasis on a family work environment, 7-8 employees from the Palm are brought forward and the candidates are asked to give the name of three of the employees as well as their position at the Palm
  • Final Interview - the panel asks the candidates typical questions about their fit for the job
After each exercise, a candidate is eliminated from consideration

And, there's a twist?

There are three other employers observing the selection process who have the opportunity to buzz in and offer a job to one of the candidates.  The candidate is then given a difficult choice - take the guaranteed job from the guest company or remain in the running for the dream job.  However, the main employer (in this case, the Palm) does have an opportunity to "protect" their leading candidate by writing down the name of that person and sealing it in an envelope.  Once a candidate is chosen by the guest company, the main employer can open the envelope and let that candidate know he or she is in the lead.

Besides giving insight into the selection process, one of the commendable aspects of "The Job" is that as the show goes to commercial break, a short interstitial appears with one of the panelists offering job search advice (see an example here: #jobtips) for those looking for work.

It was also not hard to fall back on one's own selection biases.  I found myself trying to predict who would eventually end up winning based on the short introduction of each of the candidates at the top of the show (my choice did win...huzzah).

Lisa Ling does a pedestrian job as host of the show; she keeps the process moving along.  I could have done without any speeches from the losing candidates.  HR folk may also blanch at one of the interview questions (a single mother of 6 kids is asked whether she is willing to relocate her family to New York for the job...it could have been phrased differently).  It'll also be interesting to see if they change some of the tasks the candidates are expecting to perform, such as running the knowledge test Jeopardy-style, instead of each candidate getting their own set of questions.  Similarly, could they make the distinction between the dream job and the one offered by a guest company clearer - is there a difference in compensation, for example, that might make the choice even more difficult?

Nonetheless, the show appears to be a win-win for all involved.  As with CBS' other workplace reality show "Undercover Boss," companies get an hour of free publicity to highlight the great things they do, as well as what a wonderful opportunity it is to work for them.  Similarly, qualified candidates get a national stage to show their knowledge, skills, and abilities.

So, check out "The Job" on CBS on Friday, February 8 at 8/7 Central. 

420 comments

«Oldest   ‹Older   401 – 420 of 420   Newer›   Newest»
This comment has been removed by the author.

by hodophilesxplorevisas on July 29, 2026 at 5:46 AM. #

Communication assignment help is the ideal solution for students who want to improve their academic performance without unnecessary stress. Our experienced academic writers provide well-researched, original, and properly structured assignments that meet university standards. Whether you need assistance with business communication, interpersonal communication, media studies, or professional writing, we deliver customized solutions before your deadline. Every assignment is checked for plagiarism, formatted correctly, and written in simple, clear language to help you understand the subject better. Our affordable services are designed to support students at every academic level while maintaining complete confidentiality. We focus on quality, accuracy, and timely delivery so you can submit your work with confidence. If you need reliable academic support, contact our friendly team today at +61 489080136 and receive expert communication assignment help tailored to your specific requirements.

by assignmenthelp on July 30, 2026 at 1:21 AM. #

Physics Lab Equipment Supplier delivering high-quality laboratory instruments, educational apparatus, and testing solutions for schools, colleges, universities, and research institutes with reliable quality, competitive prices, and worldwide supply.

Contact us for details:
📩 sales@aticoindia.com | 📞 +91-9896793832

by School Science Lab Equipments on August 5, 2026 at 7:08 AM. #

A 400 Amp electrical panel is a high-capacity power distribution system designed to meet the electrical demands of large homes, commercial buildings, industrial facilities, and properties with heavy power requirements. It provides increased electrical capacity, improved circuit organization, and enhanced safety, making it an ideal solution for properties with electric vehicle (EV) chargers, HVAC systems, workshops, solar power systems, or multiple high-powered appliances.
400 Amp Electrical Panel in Philadelphia, PA
400 Amp Electrical Panel in San Antonio, TX

by john on August 7, 2026 at 1:23 AM. #

Essay writing services provide valuable support for students who need help managing academic tasks and deadlines. Professional writers assist with well-structured, original, and thoroughly researched essays tailored to specific requirements. Whether it is a simple assignment or a complex academic paper, expert guidance can improve quality and understanding. Students benefit from timely delivery, proper formatting, and clear content that meets academic standards. Reliable assistance also helps reduce stress and allows learners to focus on other important responsibilities. For professional academic support and detailed assistance with essays, contact +44 7460080136 for more information.

by Assignment help on August 10, 2026 at 12:25 AM. #

Digital Conductivity Meter Manufacturer offering accurate, reliable, and durable conductivity meters for laboratories, water testing, research, and industrial applications. Contact Us: +91 9996186555

by Ftirspectro on August 10, 2026 at 2:19 AM. #

This comment has been removed by the author.

by Ftirspectro on August 17, 2026 at 12:44 AM. #

Digital Calorimeter Manufacturer offering reliable, accurate, and durable calorimeters for laboratories, research centers, educational institutes, and industrial testing applications. Call: +91 9996186555

by Ftirspectro on August 17, 2026 at 12:53 AM. #

Bomb Calorimeter Manufacturer offering reliable, accurate, and durable calorimetry solutions for laboratories, research centers, and industries requiring precise heat and energy measurement. Call: +91 9996186555

by Ftirspectro on August 17, 2026 at 2:16 AM. #

Online assignment help​​ is a reliable solution for students who need expert academic support while managing busy schedules. Professional writers provide well-researched, original, and structured assignments tailored to university requirements. This service helps improve understanding of complex topics, enhances academic performance, and saves valuable time. Whether you need assistance with essays, reports, case studies, or research projects, expert guidance can make the learning process smoother and less stressful. Students benefit from timely delivery, quality content, and personalized support designed to meet specific academic goals. With access to experienced subject specialists, learners can submit assignments with greater confidence and accuracy. For trusted assistance and quick academic support, students can connect with experts at +44 7460080136 and receive guidance that helps them stay on track with their studies while maintaining high academic standards.

by Assignment help on August 20, 2026 at 12:37 AM. #

This is a helpful perspective. I agree that staying organized, setting realistic goals, and breaking larger tasks into smaller steps can make academic work much more manageable. Consistent effort and good time management often make a big difference. Students who need additional guidance can also explore project management assignment help for support with understanding complex topics and organizing their coursework.

by Alice on August 24, 2026 at 1:18 PM. #

Laboratory Glassware Manufacturer offering durable, precision-crafted glassware for laboratories, research centers, educational institutions, and industrial applications with dependable quality.

Contact us for details:
📩 sales@aticoexport.com | 📞 +91-989-678-3832

by Atico Expert on August 26, 2026 at 5:46 AM. #

Digital Conductivity Meter Manufacturer offering reliable, accurate meters for laboratory and industrial testing, designed for precise conductivity measurement and easy operation. Call us: +91 9996186555

by Ftirspectro on September 7, 2026 at 1:19 AM. #

This was an excellent article with clear explanations and well-organized information that made the topic easy to understand. I appreciate the practical insights and useful guidance shared throughout the post. The content is both informative and engaging, making it valuable for students and learners. For those seeking additional academic support, Assignment Writing Services can complement the knowledge provided here and help students stay on track with their studies.

by Assignment help on September 8, 2026 at 12:26 AM. #

This was an excellent article that explained the topic in a very clear and easy-to-understand way. The practical insights and well-structured information make it a valuable resource for students looking to improve their academic performance. I especially appreciate how the content addresses common challenges and provides useful guidance. For students who need additional academic support, services like Help with MBA assignments can be a helpful complement to the advice shared in this informative post.

by Assignment help on September 11, 2026 at 1:36 AM. #

Excellent points! Understanding how vulnerabilities can affect systems and networks takes careful analysis, so Cyber Security Assignment Help can support students while they work on challenging coursework.

by Colbee on September 14, 2026 at 4:44 AM. #

Excellent points! Understanding how vulnerabilities can affect systems and networks takes careful analysis, so Cyber Security Assignment Help can support students while they work on challenging coursework.

by Colbee on September 14, 2026 at 4:45 AM. #

PCR Thermal Cycler Manufacturer offering reliable, high-performance PCR systems for accurate DNA amplification. Explore advanced laboratory solutions from FTIR Spectro. Contact us for more detail.

by Ftirspectro on September 15, 2026 at 1:22 AM. #

Lab Glassware Manufacturer offering durable, precise, and quality-tested laboratory glassware for schools, colleges, research labs, and industries across India.

Contact us for details:
📩 sales@aticoexport.com | 📞 +91-989-678-3832

by Atico Expert on September 15, 2026 at 6:07 AM. #

Well explained! Nursing students often work with case studies, care plans, and evidence-based research, making Clinical Nursing Assignment Help a valuable academic resource for additional support.

by Colbee on September 16, 2026 at 5:26 AM. #

«Oldest ‹Older   401 – 420 of 420   Newer› Newest»

Leave your comment