The Job (The Office)
In this episode, Michael prepares for his interview for the corporate job and names Dwight as his successor, whose managing methods are unpopular.
An estimated 7.9 million viewers watched the episode; it earned a 3.9/12 ratings share among adults 18–49, making it rank first for the night.
Television critics gave positive reviews to the finale, with many finding the ending scene between Jim and Pam satisfying.
In addition, Jenna Fischer received a nomination for Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series.
Confident that he will get the corporate job in New York City, Michael Scott sells his condo and names Dwight Schrute his successor as Regional Manager.
Dwight begins his regime, assigning Andy Bernard the role of his number two (albeit because he is the only one to apply) and asking Pam to be his secret "Assistant to the Regional Manager".
Dwight's motivational style, predicated on awarding "Schrute Bucks" redeemable for rewards like several extra minutes for lunch, is unpopular.
Jim's interview with Wallace goes well until he discovers an encouraging note from Pam along with a yogurt lid medal (from the episode "Office Olympics"), throwing him off.
[4] Krasinski received a haircut due to production on another film, Leatherheads (2008), which he thought "ended up working perfectly" for the season finale.
[10] Among total viewers, The Office ranked third in its timeslot (behind a CBS tribute to the retiring Bob Barker and ABC's first season finale of Ugly Betty).
Entertainment Weekly columnist Abby West wrote that it "was hands down one of the most satisfying hours of television I have ever had the pleasure of watching," explaining that it created "entirely new dynamics" for the fourth season, hit "all major beats," and had "real story progression" and heart.
"[13] James Poniewozik of Time magazine voiced similar sentiments, believing the finale to be a "good if not great season-ender, and if the conclusion didn't have the holy-crap factor of The Kiss last year, Pam's closeup reaction to Jim's return during her interview was—like everything Jenna Fischer does on this show—winning and sweet."
Poniewozik disliked how the season left Karen, calling it "an uncharacteristic way to end this love triangle, which was distinguished by the writers' refusal to make anyone the bad guy.
She was delighted when Jim came back to her, but the nice thing is (and this is something the British Office never managed with melancholy Dawn) she had already found happiness unto herself.
"[7] AOL TV contributor Jay Black highlighted scenes he found humorous, including Dwight's preferred choice of an assistant and Michael's reaction to Jan's implants.
[7] In an article written after the episode's broadcast, actress Kate Flannery observed that "lots of questions" were answered and that it was "like a movie".
"[16] In an article written around the time of actor Steve Carell's last performance on The Office in 2011, IGN's Cindy White listed Michael's quote about Jan's "breast enhancement" as among the best of the series.
[20][21] At the 59th Creative Arts Emmy Awards, editors David Rogers and Dean Holland won for Outstanding Single-Camera Picture Editing for a Comedy Series.
[22] For her work in "The Job", Jenna Fischer received a nomination for Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series, but lost to Jaime Pressly for her performance in My Name is Earl.
