Columnist Question:

Except with entry-level candidates, I presume reasonable job skill and intellect. Plus, I believe smart people with relevant experience adapt quickly and excel in new environments where the culture fits and inspires them.

So, I concentrate on character and how well someone's matches that of my organization.

This question opens the door for a different kind of conversation, in which I push to see the match between life in my company and what people need to be their best and better in my company than they could be anywhere else.