I've taken people on with glowing references and shit loads of qualifications. In all honesty, it doesn't really make that much of a difference. I had one guy with almost every Microsoft qualification under the sun but he was absolutely useless at working with people and was dishonest with his timekeeping. Needless to say he lasted about 4 weeks before I let him go.

What seems to matter is the positions that an individual has had and the length of service with particular organisations. Interviews can mean a lot too.

Probationary periods are useful as unless the person has existing or transferable service, you can terminate if things don't work out.

Last edited by Neil_c; 20th Jul 2010 9:58pm.