Years of Experience

[Stratego]

Question for business owners and managers as well as applicants...

What do you think of the "Years of Experience" line on a job application? Seems to me that there's a point of diminishing return after a certain number of years on the job, maybe even a curve down. Why the hell would you want someone with 15 years of experience in a job?

[The Dharma Bum]

depends on the position

15 years as a busboy doesn't swing much weight

[Aaron]

It shouldn't have much weight unless there's a fairly clear direct proportionality to skills gained. And even then, should pale in comparison to character and ability to communicate...

[Mr.Bill]

There is NO better teacher in the world than experience..

Whether life, or a job don't ever minimize it.

[Stratego]

Do you qualify that with number of years though?

[Mr.Bill]

[Winchester]

[Mr.Bill]

[The Dharma Bum]

I think Aaron is right. The ability to communicate well seems the most important factor in acquiring suitable employment

[The Comrade]

Jobs the majority of people will apply for can be learned within a few months tops. Often what x amount of experience means is "the economy is shit so we can ask for experienced people to work for us and offer them entry level pay"