How to evaluate candidates for your first UX hire when you don't know UX

So so critical for them to think about overall business goals, and not only their own

one pet peeve of mine is if in the candidate's portfolio they place login screens or introductory carrousel screens prominently.

login is very important part of the UX though, if they can't login, their USER eXperience will be reduced.

Portfolio is also a good reference point.

But if you don't know UX, how can you judge such portfolio? You will be leaning towards pretty show-offy things, but not good UX.

It's much easier to be a critic than to actually 'do'.

Film critics are usually on the mark and have nowhere near the skill to make films.

If someone 'doesn't know design' in any way whatsoever, and for some reason they want to be responsible for it ... they are in trouble.

I would suggest learning a little bit about at least what's important to the organisation, and finding reference sites as comparatives.