The biggest sign of competence in any role, in any level of seniority: the prompt reply to an email / text / DM.

Even just a “will read and get back soon” acknowledgement will go a long way.

The biggest sign of incompetence: a lack of prompt reply or acknowledgement. I’ve noticed this pattern for near 20 years now and it is amazing how common it is and the better someone is at their domain, the more responsive they are.

Caveat: Only applies when they know you or you can reasonably expect a response, not a cold reach out.