Can you think of any specific times a candidate stood out due to side projects, past experience, how they handled the interview, the answers they gave, etc, that made you go "yeah they are the one"?
When I was the A/B test engineer for Travelocity I needed somebody who could walk the DOM. Nobody could do it except for one candidate. That stood out and I made them an offer.<p>My learn from this is know what problems, the end state, you need solved. Don’t compromise with a bunch of bullshit abstractions and framework nonsense. Hire for the immediate problem. If nobody exists that can solve the problem then hire somebody smart enough and willing to be trained. The alternative is imposters, over engineering, or entertainment.
By that candidate being authentic, being honest about their strengths and their weaknesses, having genuine enthusiasm for their profession, and showing a good mix of confidence and humility.