So you're a web designer or developer?

As some will know, I've been looking to bring in someone to help with the work we have on at ghijk.

At the present time, I don't need a seasoned developer - I'll be honest, at this moment in time, the business couldn't sustain 2 full-time salaries.

What I've been looking for primarily is someone with a keen interest in the web (perhaps currently studying) and can handcode their HTML & CSS who is able to commit to giving me 16 hours per week and willing to learn as we go.

As it stands I've had 35 applicants in total as well as someone who was referred to me personally.

The majority of the applicants I don't feel have suited what I'm looking for. I've had people with no experience or exposure to the web but then that may be my fault for advertising for an apprentice. It may also indicate the current financial climate that we find ourselves in where people are applying for any job they can get regardless of whether they're qualified or not. I can accept those reasons.

One thing that has irked me though has been applicants who describe themselves as web designers or developers and link to their own site (or sites they've had involvement with) that are nothing more than a WordPress site with a theme - that's fine if all you're doing is blogging.

This has nothing to do with the fact it's WordPress, it's the fact it's either a free or premium theme with no attempt to customise either the design and a WordPress install.

This is not the work of a web designer or developer - you still have some way to go if you think otherwise.