It will vary depending on the industry, but most recently we have hired people with no previous lawn care experience. The bulk of the work is pretty basic, and we have specific work methods and have found its easier to train someone who's green, than to retrain/correct someone who has bad experience. That's the only trap when looking for someone experienced, it's not always good...
Now we are on the search for someone who does have experience, it takes a lot longer and I feel like it's going to take more initiative on our part, more than just putting a job ad out there and waiting.
But the right attitude and a good fit within the existing team is the most important thing.
If you want to grow a great team you really need to have a clear vision, mission and values. As this is what differentiates you from other businesses. If you don't have that, you'll be in a position where pay rate is the only differentiating factor and that's when you'll struggle to attract and retain great staff as they will only be loyal to the pay cheque. If you do it right, you can attract and retain great employees for less than another business would be willing to pay them. This is why culture is so important.