Which is best? Do you go for someone who has been round the block a couple of times and knows their way round an office OR someone who has studied hard for the last few years and can't wait to bring some new ideas to the table?

Experience is great in so many ways; the employee could hit the ground running with little training saving you time and money on extra resource.

They could come with a lot of extra baggage though. Have they become cynical about management and their promises; worn down by office politics? Many employees now are tired of being asked to be loyal to an employer who has been unable to give them a raise or bonus but still seem to be able to afford the swanky BMW parked in their private bay.

So, do we choose the young fresh faced smartly dressed graduate that comes bouncing into the office at 8am sharp? Do we have the time, resource and energy it takes to invest in an employee who as yet has not actually worked in a business environment?

I suppose it depends on the role and what we expect them to bring to the business. Are you looking for someone to slot in, get their head down and fill the business needs? OR are you looking for someone to bring in new life to your product.

Sometimes we need both, just because someone is experienced it doesn't mean they won't have new ideas. They are maybe looking for a new challenge and could have some great new strategies for you to consider.

A graduate comes to you all fresh and innocent untouched by the reality that is full time employment in this difficult time. Full to the brim of great ideas they have gleaned from their college professor, they could really help you move your business forward.

Still not sure which way to go?

Well I have another idea; have you thought about offering an internship? This could be a short term solution and help you decide what is best for your business.

Interns are looking for that all important experience, they want to learn and they want to show what they can do, after all you could be their potential new employer. You could have the benefit of a graduate without the expense and they get the benefit of your experience. You may find that they fit well into the business and decide to offer them a job.

So once they are receiving a salary they will already have the on job experience you require plus they are still fresh faced and rosy cheeked!

Recruitment is not always easy but as an HR Consultancy in Scotland we are happy to help you discover the best talent for your business.