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>So explain to me why anyone would be dumb enough to hire a person to work in such a position that didn't have the proper communication skills to deal with people?


Because, like so much else, the store is owned by a foriegner too. The interview was done in arabic and the applicant was fluent :) Plus the family connection (cousin of a favourite nephew) clinched the job on the spot. And now we spend our days saying "10 DOLLARS ON PUMP 3", and don't even think of asking for a "reee seat ... r e c i e p t - the little doo-dah coming out of the machine there... no there... NO THAT THING THERE!" :)

(No insult intended to anyone - it's a joke :)