There are many things you can ask and many more that you cannot.

It all starts with the wording of a help wanted ad - and making sure that the applicant does not waste your time filling out an application or interviewing if it will not be a good fit...

I like the prospective employee to spend time with 1 or 2 other employees at the work place and let them get a view of the posibilities.

By having a "unique" application can help to make the process less stressful etc... And by that I mean asking their favorite color and why? Best practical joke they pulled? Favorite zoo animal?...

There are many more creative questions you can ask - but if they answer "black, because it is spooky, set fire to my fraternity or a Gorilla because they dont take no #$@!" as one I interviewed did.... pass on them.

By making the hiring process as fun and light as possible... you may just discover the "magic" employee you seek...

Good luck!

Brian