There are probably three or four “good” sitters for every “great” sitter so how
can you know which one is the “great” one? Here are a few tips:
First, is your potential person willing to come and meet with you and your pet
before you hire them? This is important because you will be able to see if the
candidate arrives on time, has reliable transportation, good personal hygiene
and a confident manner. These things are important for your peace of mind.
Second, how do they approach your pet? How does your pet feel about them?
This is not to say that your pet should run to them and act like they are good
friends necessarily. Cats especially can take a little while to warm up to a
stranger. The important thing, for me, is to watch how they interact from the
first moment. Do they invade your pet’s space? Do they seem aggressive and
controlling about behavior? Do they allow your pet to come to them or their
terms?
Finally, do you see the quality of patience? Of sincerity? Of enjoyment with
your pet?

There are many more qualities but I feel these are your strong basics.
Remember, be fair. You are a little nervous, so is the pet sitter, and so is your
pet. They will pick up on all these vibrations and you won’t necessarily see
everyone at their best and that is why I gave you some “character basics”.
Regardless of all the nerves, trust your instincts when you judge the potential
sitter by these 3 basics.