Tell me about your best hire and worst hire

I agree that experience doesn't always mean someone is the right fit. One way to learn more about a candidate is to ask how they would handle real situations they might face on the job.

For example, what would they do if a customer was unhappy, they made a mistake, or they were running behind schedule?

I also think a short paid working trial can reveal things an interview might miss. You get to see how someone communicates, follows instructions, and responds to feedback.

Skills can be taught, but reliability and a willingness to learn are much harder to develop. I'd rather invest in someone who wants to grow than someone who thinks they already know everything.