look how many applied for this crappy job
I don’t think that’s particularly indicative of anything.
Clerical Officer, hell any civil service job is popular… And there’s been a bit of a drought in terms of these positions being offered thanks to decentralisation… So, there’s pent up demand too…
What do ships do when there’s a storm brewing?
They head for the nearest safe haven at 40 knots per hour 
I applied for a Civil service job back in 2003 and there were over 9,000 applicants for 2 positions. I wouldn’t think this is anything unusual.