Ask HN: How to hire a developer?

I need to hire a developer soon.

I'm hoping to get some feedback from this community on how best to recruit a developer...

A few questions for developers:

- What specific information do you want from someone you're considering working with?

- If I am not sure which programming language the project will require what is the best way to communicate the scope and details of the project?

- What incentives do you look for in a project?

- What should I avoid in the recruiting process?

- Any other words of advice?

Answers to any or all of these questions is appreciated.

Thanks -