Two Indians for 'best job in the world'

Two Indians have been shortlisted from a total of 34,000 applicants for a shot at the “world’s best job”.

The dream job is “Island Caretaker” for Hamilton Island in Queensland state in Australia. The job requires the successful applicant to look after the island (explore and write a daily blog, clean the pool, feed the fish) for a period of six months – all for a staggering $188,000 (A$150,000).

The high publicity campaign is part of Tourism Queensland’s bid to promote the region. Already, more than a million dollars worth of publicity has been generated, officials said.

Kim Jagtiani, from Maharashtra, and Anjaan, from Bangalore, are among 50 from all over the world shortlisted for the job.

To view videos of presentations by Kim and Anjaan, click on the "View Videos" icon at the top of this article.

Other candidates are from United States, New Zealand, Australia, Britain, Canada, Greece, Guam, Kenya, Japan, Taiwan, France, China, Germany, Malaysia, Singapore, Indonesia, Russia, Korea, Netherlands, Sweden.

From the 50 shortlisted from all over the world, 11 will be further shortlisted by your votes and by Tourism Queensland, and announced on April 2.

More interviews will take place on May 3 and the successful candidate will be announced on May 6, and the Island Caretaker starts his/her job on July 1.

Stretching the Queensland coastline, the Islands of the Great Barrier Reef offer visitors a unique chance to live among the single largest living thing in the world. The surface of the Coral Sea divides the Great Barrier Reef into two completely different universes – explore the reefs below the water and experience the life above on the stunning islands, reads the advertising write-up on the area.

You, the public, can vote for your favourite applicant at www.islandreefjob.com