Well, that was frustrating...

Rey dug up this ad, which on the face of it looked pretty good. My problem so far has been breadth over depth, and this looked ideal:

We are pleased to be able to offer a new role as a researcher, which involves capturing data, analysis, report writing and pre-production for our major studies. It is a very satisfying role with tangible responsibilities and the chance to make a major contribution to our work in line with your specific expertise or background.

You should have strong qualifications, preferably as an academic either in science, engineering or economics [check] but some commercial experience would be helpful [check, since we worked closely with industry]. You should also have a genuine flair for careful research [check], excellent knowledge of English [check], superior report-writing ability [I like to think so], experience in preparing material for publication [check, articles & posters] and extensive computer skills [check, by general standards].

That sounds a lot like me. I'm not top-level in any one of those requirements, but taken together, I'm pretty darn good. And then I went to the company website and found they're actually advertising four separate positions: two in sales, one publication editor, and an analyst with metals-industry experience. All too specialised in those respective directions for me to qualify. AFAICT, they've just combined these into one job ad to save money at SEEK.

*grumble*

ION, we saw mr_figgy and his father to the airport yesterday - by now they should be home. Hope you guys had fun, because we enjoyed meeting you at last :-) And they brought us a special... gift... from sandypawozbun, which will not soon be forgotten.