We recently went through the process of advertising a vacancy. No really, we had an opening for another member of staff.

We advertised online and in print. One of the main reasons to advertise a vacancy is really to advertise the firm. It tells people that you are, a) still there and b) trying to expand when everyone is laying off people like mad.

We only got a few decent responses. There were many cvs from ex-students looking for training contracts although the advertisement did not give the impression that is what we wanted.

Can I just say that there may be people who are impressed by these personality self-analysers but I am not. You may be a 'people person, good team builder/player, goals oriented' or whatever. Everyone always considers themselves to be that. Of course those qualities are important but these phrases are meaningless.

I am looking for someone with experience or qualifications. If I want a conveyancer there is no point applying and saying, 'choose me I want to sell and buy houses'. It is better and more honest to say: 'I don’t have any experience of property law but I have found some excellent courses that are available at a reasonable cost and I have a noddy guide to conveyancing and I think I could use my skills [say what they are] I have acquired in whatever law to good use.'

What is interesting is there has been little response from agencies. I get some emails with lists of people looking for jobs in other areas of the country. Most contact from them is half-hearted.

It used to be that agencies would phone up. They were obviously expecting a rough time from me as they would always introduce themselves by saying 'I hope you do mind me calling but I see you have a vacancy. Don’t worry; we are not an employment agency...' and then go on to say they do find people jobs and charge for it.

In a small firm it is difficult to say what a vacancy is. You do not have a team of 10 conveyancers and one goes and you get another. In a small practice you have a number of good people and if someone comes along who can fit in and possibly bring something new, then fine.