Experience shows . . .
To be a very good transcriber, one must have high-level English language skills, including grammar, sentence structure, and spelling. It is best if English is the transcriber's first language, and the primary language used on a daily basis.
When you read candidates' sample writing, email messages, etc., consider their ability to use formal grammar consistently, without lapsing into casual "texting"-style grammar or spelling.
There are lots of excellent resources online and elsewhere for transcribers to improve their language skills. Remember: another important trait is the desire to learn and continuously improve.
Transcribers said . . .
"A knowledge of grammar and being able to use it 'on the fly' is helpful."
"Sometimes you have to untwist an idea to make it comprehensible in writing."
"A reader's text communication might be really informal, but that shouldn't leak into the transcriber's work. You still need to produce a quality transcript."
Next: recruiting excellent transcribers: memory and mental skills
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