I'm in a peculiar situation concerning potential employees. I look first for technical competence, 2nd for educational background and 3rd for team coherence. In what we do there is a high degree of interdependency and negative feedbacks through the course of a project and so, a high degree of trust and a generally tolerance of technical criticism are valuable attributes. Inside of a few weeks most people know whether they will work out. Those who wont usually move to other opportunities within a year, no coaxing necessary. The contracting company I work with has been looking for somebody for a few weeks. They pay a fair salary and have excellent benefits for an entry level sci-tech job. I can usually hold a newbie for about 2-5 years before they go to a better paying job with more responsibility. Advancement in my place is nearly nonexistent.

Over time I have trained a dozen or so people who have done well -- above average -- in their field. One is a VP of a major engineering and surveying firm. Another has his own consulting service. I am extremely proud of them in particular, but I am proud of them all. They are honest and technically competent individuals whom I would work for if the price was right. Or I would hire back if they'd take the pay cut.