Judging the applicants
@ DougS
"...how exactly are you going to judge them on the quality of their work?"
Perhaps by asking to see samples of their work?
You might contact their former employer(s) to ascertain whether or not the applicant produced quality work at their previous job(s).
As mentioned above, you could ask the applicant to demonstrate their skills at the duties required for the job in question.
That seems easy enough.