UK skills shortages: do they really exist?

[Jazzy]

Employers that complain about skills shortages are actually talking about cultural fit and personality, according to Carmen Watson, an experienced recruiter.



Thousands of qualified and over-qualified candidates are looking for their next job right now. Many have built up years of experience in their specific sector or trade, with enviable skills, expertise and qualifications that young school leavers could only dream of. Why then, are they strugggling to find a job?



Clearly, there are fewer jobs around right now. They are also are more expensive category of candidate to hire.



But of the jobs that are being advertised (and where employers are willing to pay a premium), I am finding that companies are becoming ever more picky about who they hire. It's not actually about skills shortages - so many employers blame a dearth of talent for not being able to fill posts - but actually, what they mean is that they cannot find the right type of person to fill their role.



Personality, attitude, cultural fit. These are all things that are put first, above and beyond skills and qualifications on paper. If you are fully trained but won't fit in with an organisation's values then you don't stand a chance against hundreds of other applicants.



Rest of article: http://www.telegraph.co.uk/finance/jobs/8722861/UK-skills-shortages-do-they-really-exist.html



Do you think experience should the most important factor?

 

[Sinon]

Yes. However, when dealing with people you need someone who can deal with people. You can be the best mechanic this side of the Atlantic, but if you freak out when required to talk to people, you're no use whatsoever.

 

[Nebulous's iconNebulous]

While experience and being over-qualified is a good thing, that doesnt necessarily mean that experienced candidate is going to be the best person for the job. Ive been at my job for 5 years and I think I do it better than some of the 20 year veterans around there.

 

[Evil Eye]

Death of talent?

Yes. However, when dealing with people you need someone who can deal with people. You can be the best mechanic this side of the Atlantic, but if you freak out when required to talk to people, you're no use whatsoever.

 

[Sinon]

While experience and being over-qualified is a good thing, that doesnt necessarily mean that experienced candidate is going to be the best person for the job. Ive been at my job for 5 years and I think I do it better than some of the 20 year veterans around there.

Self-praise is no recommendation?