So -- I'm opening a bakery in a couple of months and have started to advertise for staff. I need several cake designers. I placed an ad and gave a complete, detailed list of qualifications required.

I swear, I've gotten 20 e-mails from people who have "always wanted to learn how to do cake decorating". Or pictures that would seriously qualify for Cake Wrecks. (What IS a "B'Day" anyhow?)

I feel like I have to respond to all applicants, but I'm running out of ways to say, "Are you NUTS?"

BTW, I'm not trying to be arrogant here. I'm hardly Colette Peters, but that's why I want to hire really good people.

First off, only respond to those who you want to interview. Saves a lot of headaches (you can put something like 'only those with specific qualifications will be contacted'). Second, I wish someone near me would open doors! Very few spots because of the area! Good luck, hope you find some great people!

Are there any culinary schools or colleges with culinary/baking programs near you? If so you may want to reach out to them to find pools of qualified candidates.

I feel for you. If trying to hire them is making you nuts, wait until the ones you do hire actually start

My humble opinion learned from 3 years of owning a shop: You will be hard pressed to pull good people away from an established thriving business to come to an unknown startup unless you offer a significant increase in pay. Get open, establish your rules, policies and procedures for your business. Then hire people who you can train to uphold them.

I agree that in the interest of time and sanity you should only respond to those that you are truly interested in.

If you feel you must respond then a simple: "Thank you for your inquiry. Since you do not meet our qualifications we will not be contacting you for an interview."

Cut and paste so you don't have to keep typing it.

People are desperate for jobs in this economy....you are lucky you've only received 20, not 200!!! Congratulations on your new Bakery!!! Best of luck to you!

Where in VA are you?? I don't know if the decorator I'm thinking of would be what you're looking for or close enough to commute, but the decorator at the bakery I'm working at is looking for a new job.

I agree with Jason about checking culinary schools. I work for a huge bakery here around Christmas every year and they usually have 2 or 3 interns from the culinary school working too. The ones that work out and make it through the big Christmas push usually get offered full time work after the season.

You could make up a form letter to send to people. Something like "Thanks for your interest. Unfortunately you do not meet our requirements."

Or you don't have to write back at all.

For the people who say "I've always wanted to learn cake decorating!" I'd be tempted to send them a link to Wilton.