Got a sweet tooth and looking for a job? Here’s an opportunity for you.
Swizzels Matlow, the maker of Love Hearts sugared candies, is hiring a taster. It’s not a paid position — but then, who needs money when you get a year’s worth of sweets as compensation.
Sarah-Louise Heslop, the company’s marketing director, said the taster doesn’t need any particular skills or physical attributes, such as super taste buds.
“We are looking for someone who is passionate about sweets, and who can describe why they like something,” she said.
The taster will be chosen by a panel of judges based on a written application or video.
Once appointed, he or she will be expected to spend some time working with the product development team at the Swizzels factory in England.
The successful candidate will be taught how to use their taste buds. They will taste new candy, work with the company on developing products and flavors, and provide feedback on packaging.
The job is part time but the new taster will work with the company regularly, depending on Swizzels’ needs and the availability of the chosen person.
The U.K. company does not have any professional tasters at the moment. “We are a family business, so everyone is involved in tasting the sweets,” Heslop said.
A word of warning for the tempted: there could be unintended consequences of eating candy for a living.
“I don’t eat a great deal of sweets outside of work,” admitted Heslop, whose job also involves tasting.