Choosing interns? Here are factors that I personally look for.

It's the time to choose interns. Unfortunately, some of us have to do this. Here are what I look for;

Basically I am looking for students with maturity. I want a 20-something that acts like a 30-something.

(1) Maturity. I never accept anyone who is not dressed properly, speak properly (no "dude"), does not know her or his place. This counts a lot as all candidates are identical.
(2) Over-enthusiastic. The way I look at it, it's a job, it's better to realize now that we all have to "kiss ass" to make living. What we are trying to do is to make our lives easier.
(3) No student-like behavior. Leaving other people alone (don't bother "real" employees) and get on with his or her life is important.

As far as the actual job goes they won't be doing anything meaningful anyway, so anyone will do.

This may be politically incorrect, but I probably prefer some serious Asian or Black candidates. They tend to be more matured than white ones for some reason (particularly those coming from blue-color background)? Or maybe (all races and ethnicities) 2nd generation candidates with immigrants father and mother? White upper middle-class types seem a bit too relaxed and have a rather "too optimistic" view on life especially in the US on the back of "if something happens, I can just move back home and get some job." But white people with blue-color ethics are amazing too, know their place, keep their head down and work hard.

I might prefer men probably, women tend to think happier and, as s result, appear more jerkish at work. But, women grow up fast (because they have to) and 2nd generation women are really tough (they see the world very differently) and I respect that mentality.

Having said that, all depend on that individual candidate.