What's the best indicator that a prospective employee will be a good employee?

Answer 1

There isn't any single indicator that a prospective employee will be a good (sucessful) employee, because people are on their best behavior during interviews, and qualifications can be misrepresented. But that is true of the interviewer too, so both sides can be mis-stated to a degree.
If I had to single out a basic issue it would be enthusiasm/strong desire to get the job, which would be a signal that the person has a willingness to move forward and give a good effort.

Answer 2

Hi, I'm a recruiter in HR and I can tell you that it's different with each hire. You have to know the job, know the skill set and see who is the best match. But a good interviewer determines whether or not the person has the right personality for the job. Whether they will fit with the company culture, work well with the others in that department and their supervisor, etc., all that can be a better indicator of who will do well and stay in a job. I would say the interview is where every decision is made.

Answer 3

that is hard to say because as a manager I've seen good prospects come in, hired and they turn out to be a flop... Causing all kinds of disruptions to the other shifts and co workers... I think that a person who has good moral values and standings are those who will go far...