Why is education so important in today job marketing?

We are hiring, and the last few applicants have been frightening. One took two hours to fill out a simple job application and it still had all sorts of spelling errors. One sounded so ghetto it wasn't funny-- and she was applying for the receptionist position. We need some basic math skills, and it can be hard to find people who know how to multiply and divide, for heaven's sake!!! Applicants also have to take a test on the computer, which means they need to be able to read and comprehend questions. Some can't even do that! If we do hire someone who is lacking (which doesn't happen often), assuming we can teach them what they need to know, more often than not they tell us they expect to be paid a large amount, even though they should never have graduated 8th grade, let alone high school!!! In this corporation there is the possibility of advancement, but not if you can't get in the door!!!

It is important in today's job market because in order to remain competitive you have to know more than the other guy who wants the same job.