Answer: Because they have similar skills, you choose Jim. Choosing your friend is OK in this case.
Step-by-step explanation:
Choosing your friend Jim is indeed right in this scenario because they have the same skill level and work ethic.
It would be a win - win situation for you because it does not show partiality but at the same time you get to help a friend.
Had Jim being of a lower work ethic and skill level, it would have been very wrong to pick him as he would not have been the best person for the job but would only have gotten it due to connections and would likely not perform as well as the other person would have.