REFERENCES ARE THE MOST UNDERRATED TOOL IN HIRING

Summary from the TLDR Founders newsletter

By the time you're calling references on a candidate you want to hire, it can be hard to change your mind. This hiring guide starts the calls after the second interview, with the candidate's permission, and spreads them through the process. Build ten questions about what you still need to know for this particular role. Ask for stories and comparisons with other colleagues instead of adjectives like smart or hardworking. The answers can shape the next interview, including which claims to test. If a reference suggests another person to call, get the candidate's permission first.