In an industry where reputation is everything, sending out unproven candidates to clients can be risky.  Below are a few tips on how recruiters can test the quality and experience of potential candidates before they interview:

1. Get samples of the candidate’s work, letters of recommendation directly from their former superiors and copies of any awards or achievements they may have earned.  Nothing speaks louder than a candidate’s work and the accolades of their superiors.  Anyone can put together a resume that fudges the truth but seeing a candidate’s work and hearing the feedback of their former superiors can provide the proof you need to feel confident about their abilities.
2. Written job simulations.  A written job simulation can be especially effective for new and/or unproven job candidates.  It can be set up online as a test that requires little to no effort on the part of the recruiter.  A written job simulation can test the knowledge of a candidate and their mental agility on the job.
3. Pre-interview questionnaire.  A pre-interview questionnaire can help you find out about a candidate’s experience, knowledge and personality.  Like the written job simulation, the pre-interview questionnaire can be set up online where the candidate can fill it out without the input of the recruiter.