title: Transiting from COBOL to C++
body: <p>I am a fairly junior programmer and have the task of interviewing an experienced mainframe COBOL programmer  for a position doing C++ development for Windows Mobile.  By experienced I mean that the candidate's entire programming career has been COBOL.</p>
  
  <p>I am not biased against any particular language, just slightly concerned about my ability to do a thorough interview.</p>
  
  <p>Inside of an interview how can I, with no COBOL experience, get a good feel for the abilities of this interviewee? </p>
  
  <p>Are there any specific things I should ask or look for?</p>
  
  <p>I have already read up on a lot of general interview stuff on SO, what would be helpful are any specific things I look for given the nature of the candidate's background.</p>