[solost]

I think there are four things you want to look for:

A personality that meshes with your office environment – Will this person be an asset to the corporate culture and smoothly assimilate?

Signs of Competence – Will this person be able to complete the tasks assigned successfully and do they display a history of doing so?

Signs of Diligence and Follow Through – Will this person show initiative and make common sense decisions without having to ask permission every step of the way? Getting things done without excuses is important as the details always matter.

References – Can this person provide a list of quality references? Clearly if you can get referenced from an existing mployee that should always carry additional positive consideration.

I think that is about all you can ask for in a generalist position.