[Governor Dinwiddie]

"he and his team are looking for hard workers who show up on time."

Isn't everyone? I've told young people that no matter where you start, if you show up on time, are well groomed and polite, don't miss days and call in sick, avoid drugs and alcohol, you will rise like a sky rocket. It doesn't matter if you have skills. When people see you're the real deal, with a proven work ethic, they will train you and promote you.

My words almost always fall on deaf ears.
 

[2ndDivisionVet]

I taught veterans and welfare and food stamp recipients how to look for work at the unemployment office for 20 years. My biggest piece of advice: Have a thank-you note with you, find out who you interviewed with and drop it in the mailbox on the way home. That’ll put your resume or application back on the top of the stack several days later. Those that said they used that technique invariably found work quickly.

[wbill]

In a past job, we were looking for entry level HelpDesk people. We started with a rather long list of "must haves" and "nice to have" qualifications.

At the end of the process, we wound up with "Must show up to the interview on time, and not curse at the interviewer". Seriously. Not much exaggeration there. Was a PITA to deal with at the time, but it makes for great stories, now.

The Obama Economy improved the hiring pool somewhat. People were a little more interested in coming onboard, I suppose desperation has that effect.

I've not had to hire anyone recently. Hope not to be looking in the shallow end again, if I do.