Hire from the gut!
Gawd knows I have hired an engineer or two over my years. And
yes, I have been the boss so by the time they go to me my
engineering staff had wrung them out pretty hard. I always
looked for 3 things: Smarts, friendlyness, team player.
For many years I headed some very technical, leading edge
engineering and the chances that you knew what we were doing
were slim. But it was a fast moving train and you had to be
willing to learn, fast. Due to the technical requirements, not
likely you would apply if you didn't meet them, because you
couldn't BS your way through.
I almost always made an offer in the intervew. If I didn't,
chances are you wouldn't be called back.
Bottom line: Trust your guts!
