Have you finished your marking?

I once sat on an interview panel for a lecturer B position in criminology. The third candidate for the position was a young and highly energetic PhD graduate who, in adding a few final, desperate comments, uttered the memorable confession: “I really enjoy marking assignments.” This was greeted with bemused glances among panel members, barely suppressed sniggers and much shifting in seats. The chair of the panel remarked: “Well, that’s a first!” The unfortunate candidate looked sheepish and embarrassed, later remarking that she had “screwed up”.