Tacoma, WA had a job opening for a new meter reader. 1,400 people applied and 1,300 of those met the minimum requirements for a civil service position and could take the necessary test. The city’s human resources analyst had to rent out the Tacoma Dome Exhibition Hall to accomodate so many applicants. Half of them passed the test and the top 27 were interviewed. Ultimately the top scorer, Scott Hoover, ended up getting the job. He’s been a temporary meter reader for ten months and is happy to be moving to a position with benefits. Hoover carries both dog treats and pepper spray but has only had to use the treats so far.