I worked in human resources for many years in a Fortune 500 company, interviewed hundreds and helped managers hire general managers, sales reps., sales managers, customer service managers etc. The qualities outlined in this article are good ones, I’ve interviewed candidates that fit many of these qualities and many that didn’t, they didn’t get a call back.

Staffing is a skill that in my opinion primarily comes from experience. You can teach basics but the primary skill comes from “face time”, sitting down and interacting with people.

One way of testing your skill in assessing the qualities listed above is to do it when you meet new people. Listen, ask questions and then test what you learned against the qualities. Ask yourself, “Why I came to the conclusion I did” about someone new you’ve met.