Some days I feel an urge to dig holes for a living

To me, education means nothing. So you passed some test at some time. Big whoop. Doesn't mean you can get along with others in the office/field or that you can even do the job. Doesn't mean you are willing to work, are reliable, or are proud of your efforts.

You've done a course? Bully for you. Doesn't mean you can do the job as we do it. (You might know Excel but you don't know how we use Excel and so you would have to learn. And if you have to relearn anyway, why do the course?)

Are you willing to work? Are you reliable? Do I get a good 'vibe' about you?

These are more important to me than your resume and education.

Past experience might be nice. But if we can't get along then it doesn't matter. And besides, your past experience might include 'habits' and 'ways of doing things' that aren't well suited to the situation you would be in with me. And if you aren't willing to change to 'how we do it' then there's no hope of working together.

People can go in cold and learn virtually any job, on the job. Of course, there are exceptions such as computer programing, and medicine and law which require qualifications by law. But in the most part, people do have the ability to learn on the job and perform well - IF they are willing to work.

And, in my opinion, whether you are a 'junior' or not, if you do the same work you are entitled to the same pay. And any business that pays a junior less, just because they can because of government advised pay rates, is guilty of slave labor.

My experience says, it's hard to find good people who are willing to work.

I've had people turn up to an 'interview' wearing thongs (flip flops), heavy metal t-shirts and with chuncks of metal hanging out of their face (eyebrow or lip pierced). Unbelievable!

Michael Ross.