I've got a guest post over on Bob Walsh's 47hats.com and although it's aimed at Micro ISVs ready to hire their first person I think points 2 – 7 are relevant to business of all sizes. Here's point number 5:
If you’ve never hired for this role before, bring in an expert to
help you. Hiring a sales person? Find somebody who’s hired a hundred
sales people already. Don’t know an expert? Find somebody who does.
Never, ever hire for a role you do not understand without outside help.
You can read my other 8 tips here.