We run a farm, so our employees are usually not the type that have a complete resume and could actually answer a question about how they handled a certain situation-they just don't think that way. But I know our criteria is a little offbeat, so I think it would be fun to share. So we look for:
1. Personality-First and foremost, they can't creep me out or be angry when we ask simple questions. You'd be surprised how many people this weeds out. They also have to be interested in the interview, not obviously hoping it will be over soon.
2. If they're middle aged, then they can't have a string of short-term jobs (we only ask for 5 years of work history; 4 or more jobs is a bad sign, and 3 is not great). If they're young, then we ask why they switched jobs. Generally, it's because they're still figuring out what they want to do, and as long as they know we work outside and on equipment, we are willing to take a chance on them.
3. Experience on a farm, forklift, truck driving, outside work. If they've been working in an office for years, they're probably not going to make it here.
4. Relationship status with people on the farm. We have refused to hire someone's kid and cousin. We have, however, hired brothers, a nephew-in-law, and the first and second husband of the same woman who share custody of kids. It mostly has to do with how the person we currently have would feel about x relative being here.
And if we find out, married/has kids/renting or owns a home/large vehicle payment. We obviously don't ask for these things, but it's surprising how many people tell us this kind of information. The more obligations on this person, the more likely they will stay for a longer period of time, and that they won't quit after a few bad days. It is helpful sometimes to have men always looking for work and not wanting to take off early b/c they need the money. But that's a secondary consideration.