It was billed as "probably the best job in the world".
And for the five candidates who made it to the final hurdle,
Carlsberg Singapore gave them what might possibly be described as
the best interview in the world.
An unconventional, light-hearted and fun three-step test at
Harry's at Marina Bay Link Mall yesterday afternoon. Over plenty of
beer, of course.
At the start of the month, Carlsberg launched its Probably the
Best Job in the World campaign, offering one lucky applicant the
chance to serve as a beer taster and brand ambassador for four
hours - and pick up $10,000 for the day's work.
The campaign garnered plenty of attention, with 22,630
applications pouring in.
The final five applicants - physical education teacher Rayson
Soh, 25, advertising firm art director Melvin Ho, 35, social media
manager Daniel Osgodby, 27, lawyer Petrina Lee, 31, and law
undergrad Siaw Hui, 24 - were shortlisted based on the creativity
of their answers in the application form and a phone interview.
During the final interview yesterday, the five hopefuls were put
through their paces by a four-man panel from Carlsberg.
The interview contributed to 70 per cent of their scores. The
remaining 30 per cent was determined by members of the media who
were present.
For the first test, the applicants were blindfolded and made to
pick out a mug of Carlsberg from two other beers - an Asahi Super
Dry Black and a Kronenbourg 1664 Blanc - by taste alone.
Four applicants managed to plump for the correct mug. Mr Soh,
who picked the Asahi, later said his taste buds were confused by
prior drinking before the taste test.
Contestants then had to demonstrate their love for Carlsberg by
coming up with an impromptu set of "wedding vows" to their mug.
It proved to be a hilarious test of wits as the applicants
recalled their fondest drinking memories (or lack thereof), with
one guy even going down on one knee.
Finally, contestants had to role-play as Carlsberg salesmen
trying to win over a crowd of tough customers, played by host Allan
Wu and the panel members.
The resulting exchanges were thoroughly entertaining.
But it was Mr Soh who stole the show - and probably redeemed
himself for his earlier mistake - during his role play with
Carlsberg Malaysia supply chain director David Bidau.
When Mr Bidau voiced concerns about beer making him fat, Mr Soh
promptly took off his top to show the Frenchman his sculpted abs,
resulting in cheers from the audience.
At the end of the evening, it was Mr Osgodby who landed the
coveted gig after impressing the crowd with his wit, humour and
spontaneity.
Carlsberg Singapore general manager Jimmy Toh, 39, was also
impressed by his knowledge of beer.
CREATIVE
Mr Toh said: "The five finalists are very special in their own
way - they are creative, spontaneous and hold conversations very
well.
"The decision was a little bit difficult when we tried to fit
the contestants to the Carlsberg brand, but in the end we felt that
Daniel was the closest fit. He really exemplified the brand and he
has reasonably sound knowledge of beers. He even got all the beer
brands in the taste test correct by taste alone."
Mr Osgodby said: "I joined the competition with very low
expectations, but obviously my personality is exactly what
Carlsberg wanted and I'm elated.
"I honestly think that it was the best interview in the
world.
"More companies should do interview processes like this -
everyone having some beer together and a conversation, it's the
best way to go."
TNP