I am glad this thread has been brought to life again as it could prove to be a very useful lesson.

I have often had to employ people in a desperate situation. With a high volume of work & a sudden absence of a previous member of staff. I am sure I don't need to tell anyone here how stressful it can be. In this situation it’s all too easy to overlook or forgive the odd “cock-up” in the hope that it is a one-off & perhaps due to nerves, that is common during the settling in period.

I like the questionnaire idea & I will definitely try it next time. I can see that it would give the applicant an idea of what you are about aswell. It could intimidate a worthy candidate I suppose, but if they are that easily intimidated then doesn't this prove that they may not be for you?

At the end of the day you can tell allot about someone by the way the answer questions that, they don’t know the answer to. A sensible answer can be as enlightening as a stupid one.

Even if you find a good one, then there is the question off emotional baggage. A truly great (I keep going to type bloke but that’s not PC these days) applicant could turn out to be unsuitable because of emotional or family problems. I missed a goodun a couple of years ago because he had lost his driving licence. Now I realise that he is a good bloke & that I should have given a chance (Maybe).

I really think this thread would be better placed in a trade only section, as it could lead to some sensitive posts that only folks “in the know” would appreciate.