NASHVILLE (TSU News Service) – Anyone looking for a job these days knows how difficult it can be going through the process. The constant scouring of job listings, networking, applying for any and all positions with thousands of others also looking for employment, can be both daunting and frustrating.
But for one Tennessee State University alumnae, the process took an interesting twist when she was cast for the new CBS reality program that puts candidates face-to-face with executives from some of America’s most prestigious companies in hope of landing their dream job.
Bobbie Moreland landed the opportunity with the show, “The Job,” after responding to a job posting she saw online at, of all places, a Craig’s List employment board.
“When I applied, I didn’t realize it was for a television show,” said Moreland. “The job was for a spa management position so I applied. I was lucky enough to get an invite to the casting call.”
Moreland attended the University from 1998 through 2001 as a Business Administration major, but left after three years to pursue interests in marketing and the restaurant management industry. The 43-year Nashville native then landed a job aboard a cruise ship for more than three years before returning to Tennessee.
“The timing couldn’t have been more perfect,” she added.
The series, which debuts February 8 and runs for eight weeks, pits five job-seeking candidates against one another for the opportunity to work for such companies as the Palm Restaurant Group, Cosmopolitan magazine, Major League Soccer, Epic Records, Zynga, Live Nation, and Gilt. Moreland will be seeking a job with Viceroy Hotel Group,a boutique and luxury hotel management company with properties around the world.
According to Moreland, the interview process just to be on the show was grueling and “exciting but stressful.” Those selected were sent to Miami for the first phase of elimination challenges, and once there, competed in several challenges related to the job.
“This was an on-the job practical exercise that simulated what they would actually face if hired,”said Steven Feldman, spokesperson from CBS Entertainment Publicity. “Each contestant is paired with a set of three or four guests and cater to their needs and any challenges that may come up.”
“It was a little nerve-wracking,” said Moreland. “But I have experience in spa management so I let my experience kick in.”
The challenge was filmed in October, and then the contestants were flown to New York in November for the in-studio interview in front of both a studio audience and panel of executives from the hotel. The group was then graded on their performance and interviewed. Candidates were eliminated until one remained.
To make things interesting, in addition to the episode’s featured company, representatives from three guest companies from related industries had the opportunity to make an on-the-spot offer to one of the candidates, who had to decide if they wanted to accept the offer or remain in the running for the featured job.
“It was definitely one of the most amazing experiences I have ever been through,” said Moreland. “Overall I learned that this is a big world and that there are a ton of opportunities for those willing to take a chance.”
And does she land her “dream job?”
“You are just going to have to watch,” she said with a chuckle in her voice.
The four other candidates vying for the position along with Moreland include 31-year old Danny Weisman from Chicago who is unemployed; media consultant Gamal Valdespee, 33 from New York City; a 26-year old hotel manager from Colombia, S.C., Jeremy Gilbert; and 25-year old Yolanda Wicks, a part-time cosmetics salesperson from Detroit.
The Viceroy Hotel Group Episode with Moreland airs February 22 at 7 p.m. ET/PT.