I look for people who view their stated responsibilities as just a starting point of what their contribution to the organization can be. Attention to detail is a must, as is outstanding interpersonal and communication skills. I normally look for a person who worked their way up from somewhat humble beginnings and excelled at a middle-of-the-road university as opposed to an Ivy League school. They also need to be comfortable socially with a good network in their profession, as I don't like to pay recruiter fees to find talent.

I have what people have told me is a unique interviewing style that has worked well over the years for hiring at all levels, from those right out of college to those being considered for high-level executive positions. I first make sure that they understand the job, the company, our culture and my style. Then I say, "Look, tell me what you think I should know about you that would make me want to hire you. Start wherever you want in your life, end up wherever you want. Business and personal: What motivates you, what you don't like, what are your passions; go anywhere with this you want -- the floor is yours for the next 45 minutes -- sell me!" I will likely interrupt them along the way and ask questions, but I may just listen.

I have had people stop talking at 15 minutes -- I have had to stop people because they ran 15 minutes over their 45 minutes. It runs the full spectrum. For more senior positions, we will follow up with a dinner where the conversation will again run all over the map. At dinner, I will probe a bit more on how they deal with specific situations they have faced in the past and how they handled them.