Tuesday, May 5, 2009

The Daily Show is hiring

It's good to see that in these tough economic times the Daily Show with Jon Stewart is hiring. Just a few minutes ago I watched the newest correspondent, Josh Gad as he thoughtfully analyzed the present banking and credit crisis.

It was not funny. Not even a little bit, not even when he donned a fake mustache and sombrero and launched into a vaguely racist Mexican accent.

But readers, the reason I'm ready to dislike him based off of a two minute bit that went south (of the border and comedically) is because he took my job. Yes, that job should've been mine. Not only am I funnier. Not only do I not wear douchey, tinted glasses. But I have put my commitment to Jon Stewart above my professional goals by mentioning my ardor for him in countless cover letters.

Below is one of the cover letters I sent out during my time living in Los Angeles. Surprisingly the "Jon Stewart" letter actually got me a lot of interviews. And then they met me.

June 7, 2005


Dear Mr. Bustamante:


I know that you probably tire of hearing this but I’ll say it anyway: I am in love with Jon Stewart. That’s why I had to move from New York City to Los Angeles. His lawyers promised not to file stalking and harassment charges if I moved far, far away. So here I am in L.A., with my recently acquired driver’s license, terrorizing the roads instead of Mr. Stewart and company, looking to apply my unique qualities to an industry that views crazy people as “artists.” Which is why I believe I have a bright future ahead of me as a Writer’s Production Assistant working for Twentieth Century Fox Television.


Maybe you’ve read this far and are amused by the introductory paragraph but do not think that I possess the smarts necessary to work as an assistant. Allow me to allay those fears: I have a diploma from the University of Pennsylvania. It’s written in Latin so I don’t really understand what it says, but hey, I majored in English and Communications, not Classical Studies.


I hope this letter conveys that I have sufficient intelligence and quirks for a career in entertainment and not as evidence that I should be committed. I look forward to discussing the administrative assistant position with you.


Thanks and have a great day.


Sincerely,


Debra Meyers


P.S. I can type 55 WPM, which means it took me about five minutes to type this cover letter.

2 comments:

Samurai Scientist said...

That's a good letter! Seriously, I didn't think Gad was Bad. At least not as bad as Wyatt usually is.

The funniest one is the English fellow... Sam Bee is also pretty good, and Rob Riggle (although he's left the show).

Dvora Meyers said...

Really? You thought he was okay? What has living in Berkley done to your wit?

As for the English fellow, John Olliver. I met him and I made him laugh. Twice.