Tired of email spam from people looking for jobs, Gary Chaplin, an executive recruiter shot back a hasty reply:

I think I speak for all 4,000 people you have emailed when I say, 'Thanks for your CV' - it's nice to know you are taking this seriously.

If you are not bright enough to learn how to 'bcc'...you are too stupid to get a job, even in banking.

Unfortunately, Chaplin's email went to the 4,000 people who received the original message-a classic "reply all" mistake. Although some programs make it more difficult, hitting "reply all" is a common mistake.

Chaplin's other failure is insulting someone looking for a job. No matter how ineffective the original email request, the guy needs work, not unlike a lot of people in today's economy.

Chaplin lost his £200,000 job and is now, like the original emailer, looking for work before the holidays. He did respond to the incident: "I am mortified by what I did. I meant no offence to this man looking for a job." Really?

Discussion Starters:

• Read the full email exchange, reported by The Sun. What other failings in the original email and in Chaplin's reply do you notice?
• How easy is it for you to hit "reply all" in your email program? What can you do to avoid this?