Staff.

[Dave A]

My experience is:

You need to be specific about what you require, and stick to it.
You need to get good at interpreting CVs.
You need to be quick to go "prospect", "suspect" and "flush".
(And if you have enough prospects for a shortlist, flush the suspects too).
Don't be shy to call previous employers and references given.
Don't assume anyone is ready made to go. Know that you are going to have to invest time (and probably money) to induct whomever you employ into your way of doing things.

[Dave A]

Seems you missed one and I missed one.

Don't assume anyone is ready made to go. Know that you are going to have to invest time (and probably money) to induct whomever you employ into your way of doing things.

Done?

And my missing one -
If at first you don't succeed, flush and repeat until you do.

I'm with you though - It is very frustrating...

[skatingsparks]

Its that time of year and we are incredibly busy and I start looking for more hands. I think the situation is getting worse or maybe everyone is busy and the 'cream of the crop' are already employed.

I find it completely pathetic how much effort some (well 99%) applicants put into there job application.

I make the adverts very clear. I don't think asking for 'experience in the commercial side of electrical work' is unreasonable

Even if you don't have the skills at least make some sort of effort

"I want job - 071 xxxxxxx' is not going to get you a call back.

I don't think there is a shortage of work in S.A., not for electricians. There is definitely a shortage of skills but there is also a massive shortage of effort.

Maybe those that apply get fed up applying with no results and those wanting employees get fed up of sifting through the useless ones.

I think its less exhausting to just to do all the jobs yourself.....