Wanted: Chief small talk officers. Awkward applicants welcome

Some people don't like to make small talk. Others — especially younger Americans— say they simply don't know how to do it.Why it matters: A communication-skills app is betting that a baptism by fire in small talk can help rebuild social confidence — and it's hiring people to approach strangers to put that theory to the test.Driving the news: RiseGuide is hiring Chief Small Talk Officers — recently rebranded from Head of Hanging Out to stress the seriousness of the assignment.The monthlong gig pays each of up to three hires $2,000, plus a budget for outings to parks, bookstores and fitness clas