On a smaller size (company) it's relatively easy: pay well, don't oversell the position, send a small assignment representative of work and give them ample time

On a smaller size (company) it's relatively easy: pay well, don't oversell the position, send a small assignment representative of work and give them ample time to solve on their own OR ask for references you can talk to from previous workplaces. Game changes if you actively contacted someone.. if you're no BS, assumption is you know who you contacted and why, hence only thing to do, once contact established is not to oversell and pay well. Pay-well can constitue compensation as well as time.