Note: the below may apply more to contractors, but if you read through it I think you might find it useful... in order of confidence, here is how you hire some

Note: the below may apply more to contractors, but if you read through it I think you might find it useful... in order of confidence, here is how you hire someone for the job. (perceived) 100.000% - The job is done already, just like something you already had the same guy do and it was perfect, now you pay him. 95% - The job is done to your satisfaction, you know the guy and he's solvent and vouches for what he's done. He hasn't done just this, but maybe something similar for you. You're not sure if this works as advertised yet... 90% - The job is done to your satisfaction, you know the guy and he vouches for what he's done. He hasn't done this for you but did it for someone else you know, who vouches for the guy. 85% - The job is done to your satisfaction, the guy comes recommended only by people you don't know, but warrantees what he's offering and seems like he cares about his reputation and about you, seems solvent and in a situation to fix it if it's not what you thought you were getting. 80% - The job is NOT done (none of it is), but you know the guy (rest per 100.000%) 75% - The job is NOT done (none of it is), but you know the guy (rest per 95%) 70% - the job is NOT done (none of it is), but you ... (rest per 90%) 65% - the job is NOT done (none of it is), but... (rest per 85%) 60% --> the job is not done and you have a guy offering to do it who comes recommended by people you don't know, you haven't worked with him, and he doesn't seem like he's in a situation to warrantee what he's going to do or care utmost about his reputation and about you. However, he brings proof he's done it before (portfolio). 55% - the guy comes with recommendations from people you don't know, but brings proof only of things OTHER than what you want him to do for you. He is not in a position to guarantee what he's going to do for you. 50% - the guy comes with recommendations from people you don't know, and doesn't bring proof of anything he's done. BINGO. This is where you are if you get a stellar resume and cover letter with references from people you don't know. Now of these resumes, let's go through the hiring filters that work... 40% of the time... 30% of the time... 20% of the time... 10% of the time... Ready? Okay, you know what, let's not go through all that. If you are trying to filter the hires so that you're getting the best of it like this, well, what can I say. Good luck pal.