Taking it on a case by case basis is sound advice; but take it a step further. I use to recruit and hire a variety of professionals and I can tell you from experience hiring from with in an industry is for the most part a better, safer, and cheaper bet.
Now with that said it is up to the person doing the hiring to conduct a thorough reference check to avoid any inconsistencies. If you take the time to do this now you will not be kicking yourself later! If you want it I still have the form for the "LEGAL" reference check I use to conduct. The last thing you want to do is ask an employer the wrong question and disqualify that person only to find out later that you could not ask that question by law! and you find yourself in court.
Finally, if you do hire outside the industry make sure that person has a passion for the job first. Second, that you have someone on staff that can take the time and energy need to bring that person up to speed. And Third a formal job description so that the new hire fully understand what is expected of them!
Good Luck and let me know if I can help further!
