Always do a throughout background check to see the kind of person the applicant is online (Facebook, Myspace, Twitter etc.)
CHeck references! I think to attract them you need to offer "perks" in the work place. Allow telecommuting, good vacations or benefits things that will entice the best workers.
Be very specific in what your requirements are and communicate one on one with the applicant, that way you can weed out applicants that wont fit your criteria and will work hard for you. Be fair as well in your pricing. You definitely get what you pay for.