There are really three kinds of employees:

(1) Those who give us energy;

(2) Those who drain our energy; and

(3)Those who dont affect our energy.

When youre about to hire someone, it pays to go beyond examining their resumes, checking their credentials, and evaluating them in interviews.

After interacting with them, ask yourself: How do I feel?

Are you energized? If so, this augurs well. You may have found yourself a winner; someone who is a joy to work with, and a net plus to your organization.

If you feel no effect, the person may be acceptable, and turn out to be a consistent contributor, who neither motivates nor de-motivates you, or her colleagues.

But if you feel tired or drained of energy, watch out!

This person could be an energy vampire, someone who sucks away the life force from your work group.

You wont find this characteristic in any hiring manual or book on employee relations or the best hiring practices. But from the viewpoint of everyday atmospherics, an energy Dracula can drain your spirits and your performance faster than you can say, Welcome to Transylvania!

If you get a call later on, and the candidate asks why you passed, please dont say, Because Im afraid youll suck my blood!

Use a typical excuse, then thank your lucky stars, and keep wearing that protective garlic around your neck!