Fit, fit, fit -- #3 is the most important for me. I actually ask only a few technical questions just to be sure the person actually has the technical knowledge to match their resume. (In fact, an interview I did last week was laughable -- the candidate claimed significant database experience but could not answer the question "what is the difference between an INNER and OUTER JOIN".) I was trained in "character-based interviewing" where certain characteristics (team work, problem solving, communication) are key in most jobs. I have found again and again that if a person demonstrates these characteristics, and has decent technical skills, the person will succeed. Then again, my current company requires a close working relationship between the business and the developers so "soft" skills are a must.