What criteria do you use to screen analysts?

We simply look for the best people. PHB offices are in cities in which, by and large, there is a large proportion of "smart" people. But it takes much more than just smarts to make a good analyst: It takes a certain aptitude, a desire to explore, insight, an ability to conceptualize problems - not just implement what others tell you - and an ability to work independently on projects that happen in "real time."