Oddest Job Posting Qualification - Strong BA

Thu, 02 Aug 2007 13:17:36 GMT

I was helping a friend check out job listings at Amazon.com when I came across this listing for a Business Analyst:

Qualifications

The successful candidate must demonstrate the following:

Outstanding attention to detail, problem solving, and analytical skills - Check

Excellent written and spoken communication - Check

Excellent communication skills at all levels with the ability to present information in a professional and mature manner - Check

Ability to work effectively to tight deadlines in a fast-paced environment - Check

Understanding of Linux or Unix operations systems desired. - Check

3-5 years of demonstrable experience in at least one of the following financial processing areas: procurement, asset management, accounting, accounts payable, and/or lease management. - Check

Knowledge of Information Technology, including computing, storage and networking equipment. - Check

Strong skills in Microsoft Office Suite (i.e. Excel, Word, and Outlook) are required. - Check Experience working with ERP software systems (i.e. Oracle/Remedy) is a plus, as is the ability to mine data and maintain essential metrics using these applications. - Check

Track record of success in a fast-paced environment. - Check

Ability to lift and move up to 75 lbs and assist team members as needed in the receipt, transfer and disposal of assets, with accommodation. - Uh....No

I'm not sure my friend could lift and move up to 75 pounds, unassisted. I'm hoping this is an error...or is that that BAs at Amazon are expected to pitch in and help move skids of books around on their down time? I can see some recruiter busy screening candidates against that last one, rejecting all kinds of excellent candidates because they don't look strong enough.

I've laughed at insane requirements in job postings -- you've all seen them - "5 to 10 years deploying Windows Vista in corporate environments", "5 years hands-on experience with EA/Studio", etc. But what's the weirdest/most outlandish requirement you've seen?

Karen Lopez: Musings on Data, Process, and Architecture

Oddest Job Posting Qualification - Strong BA