Single most important tip in hiring?

ATTITUDE! There is really only one thing an owner has with any employee and that is willingness. I don’t care how many ASE certificates a potential technician has, or the size of his tool box and experience. If the person is not willing to follow standard shop procedures and is not willing to help that person will be a problem. Give me an apprentice with good attitude and willingness to learn and help over the Prima-Dona Master with a chip on the shoulder any day of the week.