What’s the Story?

One thing about skimming ads is that sometimes something unusual jumps off the page and begs to tell its story. What I mean is that some items are so unusual that there must be a story behind their specific inclusion in the job description.

For example, “Applications from Ph.D. programs outside of our state are welcomed in particular” tells prospective candidates that the department seeks a more geographically diverse faculty.

Recently I saw an ad for a chief academic officer that included a line like this: “excellent personal grooming required.” I couldn’t help but wonder what the story was behind that bullet point.

Have any of you ever spotted something in a blurb that suggested there was more to it than meets the eye?