I often hear of people complaining about someone less qualified getting a position. The first thing I wonder is how they have become so knowledgable about the qualifications of another stranger who happened to apply for the same position(always feels as if they knew someone on the inside who they were perhaps expecting to show THEM favoritism)


although, Im sure, it sometimes happens, I doubt it happens in such a clear cut manner very often.


I came across this opinion about being 'qualified' for a position:

Relevant, current, demonstrated work experience to the job, in the same sector/industry, and skills (required and preferred) are used to identify the most qualified Applicant for the position. The most qualified applicants often possess both of the skills listed in the required and the preferred skills on the job description.



to me, having a mom who hired and fired people as a career and has explained many things to me over the years,, this is just the tip of the very BROAD iceberg of things employers consider when deciding upon an employee to hire,,,there is also demeanor in the interview because anyone can DO things and document what they DID but its different than them doing it WELL and often their response and demeanor in an interview can give away how WELL they can actually manage and understand those things their transcript or resume might IMPLY that they know.



what do you think are some of the things employers look for in a 'qualified' applicant?


If you had the difficult job of deciding the fate of peoples livelihoods,, what would be three things that would be of paramount importance to your decision?



mine would be

1:knowledge of what the position entails and how to perform the duties


2. ability to listen and respond in a professional and respectful manner


3. education and job experience related to the job

,,,,in that order

Ok for me when I hire someone, I look for.

1. personality, will they fit in with the rest of us, they must be easy going and enjoy a laugh or I wouldnt consider them at all.
2. Will they give it their best shot.
3. Can they do the job I want them to.. I really dont care to much about experience but they must be keen to learn.

For me thats pretty much it.. Ours is a family business and the people who I hire will be around my children, so they have to honorable and have a little respect for other people.
Having fun is also a requirement as otherwise they would never cope with us..

Oh and I really hate resumee's, so normally i give a job to the person who comes in the door and i like.

Like have you ever seen a bad resumee.. I think NOT

In my profession who you know is more important than your particular skill set and personality is key...if you can't work within the personalities of the lab/dept you are interested in...then you won't get into them!

I know many people in many depts and this will be my biggest asset when I start looking for jobs next month :)

Obviously you haven't heard of our governor hiring the son of one of his top campaign contributors for a 100k plus job.

The kid was in his twenties, had no education, no experience, and two drunk driving arrests.

Depending on the position, I say "hire for cultural fit" including ethics, integrity, vision and spirit because you can teach a monkey to ride a bike...

Maybe that is another difference here Josie....


I don't have a resume....and the closest I ever go to one was when I needed some night work way back when the kids were little...for a telemarketing position...


The dude asked me all sorts of questions, and then asked for my resume and list of experience...so I showed him my phone bill...and added...' this job entails speaking on the phone, yeah?....well obviously, I don't have an issue with that.'


I don't own one, have never used one, and have been employed whenever I required a job....even in the professional field, all I showed at the interveiws was a piece of paper that said I had attained a double degree...


I'm with you...personality is primary....and how they will 'blend' with the team already in place.

I think it is really different here, it seems as though you need an awful lot to get a job in America.

I think we are still really lucky and pretty easy going here.

where do you live and are the borders open to new immigrants?...lol

What I have encountered in the last two years is that I don't have the degree or certifications saying I can do the job that I have done for the last 12 years.

Many want that piece of paper saying you can work in a office ect in order to hire you.....

I finally did get another job but............it is frustrating when you can do the work and they want that piece of paper to go along with what you know...

As an employee and not in a hiring/firing position (I would be a dique)....

I find myself on the opposite end of the spectrum. We recently brought in a new manager with lots of sales credentials and zero experience in the actual bottled water processing industry. Sure the other guys griped about getting passed over but, I understand admin's choice. Bring in someone who has no preestablished veiw points or concepts of limitations. It ain't easy for the guy and our crew are all seasoned and jaded veterans...So the stepping in and attempting to assert authority without not actually knowing our systems didn't go as smooth as he had hoped.

I am the senior man non-management at our plant and am pretty much everyones friend cause we have a small staff and harmony is key for a team.

I don't particulary envy the people responsible for hiring....cause when they bring in a lazy dumbass...it's thier fault.

Like Krupa said - sometimes a company needs new skillsets and new vision to go forward. They may still make a mistake, but to survive today, companies have to be innovative and not just settle for the status quo. It can be a real hard hit for long term employees, but if it ensures they stay employed . . . .

Australia Its the land of the crazy, but a lovely spot to stay,, Our city brings in a lot of overseas workers. as its hard up here to get people to stay, we are sort of the top of nowhere...

Yours is the only Australian city that can proudly say...today's weather will be a high of 32 and late storms...ALL year round!


Not only that, Darwin is the city of culture...a real gritty on the streets culture...every culture coexists along side each other, and your Markets at the Pier are the best in the world!

Darwin is the place where pretensions melt away...(it's too friggin humid) ...there is absolutely NO need to be fake up there...every single darwinian I have ever met, there and here, have been the MOST down to earth real people you would ever meet!

I shortlist resumes based upon relatable/relevant skill sets

but I hire based upon

1. personality - and how they will fit into the team
2. attitude - a willingness to learn, strong work ethic


I can teach skills ... I can coach to greatness but I can't teach personality

I know I so love it here, I love that in the middle of winter people get here and are still sweating,
I love that I have no idea who has money and who doesnt, as we all wear shorts, singlets and thongs.
I love that dressed up means putting on any shoes besides thongs and making sure you are not 3wearing a singlet.
I love that you see people for who they are and you are accepted for that.
I dont know if I would ever want to move and have to be a part of the real world. Where appearences matter, and I need a piece of paper to get a job.

This is what I'm finding too. Real world experience means little anymore.

Having danced at the opposite end of that spectrum a year ago, I heard "overqualified" because of the piece of paper for 6 months. I still believe it opens doors - not necessarily proving you know ANYTHING but sometimes you still have to pound on the door, ring the doorbell, and even move to Texas! (Lucky me!)

My first husband had two doctorate decrees and couldn't get a job. "Overqualified" was always the answer. He was complaining to me about it and I told him... "Well don't tell them about it stupid."

He hadn't thought of that. (Duh)

Paper doesn't mean your're smart. LOL

Depending on the field the business is in, they have to be:
female
young
not easily upset or grossed out

or else

Male
loud and boisterous
Love hockey and other arena activities

or else

neutered male
strong
likes an easy life and the company of many married women

or else

female
frigid
very pious

or else

male
weightlifter
likes the taste of steroids

or else

female
likes food too much
has a beard.