I have seen graphic designers walk in with awesome portfolios, and once hired, they didn’t produce diddly.

I also encourage employers to test their applicants to verify they they really know how to use the software they claim they can use. Give your final candidates a project and see who produces the best work. Give them a hot deadline. Note how these possible employees work under pressure. If they don’t want to take the challenge, maybe that’s a clue. Anyone who is a pro at what they do should be chomping at the bits to prove what they’ve got under the hood.

I’ve seen a lot in my days. There are many people who will say anything to get a job. Once on site, these same tricksters can be very hard to eliminate. I could tell you some horror stories…