Oh gosh, it really depends ahhaa.
The higher staff really only choose moderators when one is needed in a particular section, like when an existing moderator quits or when there just aren't enough moderators to cover the area. We like when people report anything that breaks the rules, are approachable, have a pretty clean record when it comes to infractions (though infractions from a long time ago can be overlooked depending on severity as it's understandable we were all new/confused at some point), and are consistent with activity.. but those are just the basics. We do look into a lot when deciding on whether or not to promote someone.
But yeah, it will take time. XD; Took me almost a year to be promoted! I became a mod in August 2012 but I was really nooby back then, lool.