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Reed Hastings, the co-founder of Netflix, believes that hiring the right people goes beyond resumes and interviews—it’s about digging deep into their history through trusted references. In his experience, the real key to making confident hiring decisions lies in building trust with the people who truly know the candidate.
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Going Beyond the Surface
For high-level hires, Hastings spends hours conducting reference checks. This isn’t just calling listed references; it’s about finding people who’ve directly worked with the candidate and can provide unfiltered, honest insights. For example, if a candidate once collaborated with a trusted contact, Hastings will reach out to that contact, ensuring confidentiality to get the most candid feedback possible.
The Secret to Gaining Trust
Building trust with references is essential. Hastings emphasizes creating an environment where references feel safe sharing their honest opinions. He ensures that feedback won’t be traced back to them, which encourages openness. This practice helps uncover deeper truths about a candidate’s capabilities, strengths, and areas for improvement.
Why References Matter
References allow hiring managers to bridge the gap between a candidate’s self-presentation and their actual work ethic. Hastings views them as the ultimate confidence-builder when making critical hiring decisions. For example, a glowing reference from a respected industry leader can often provide the assurance needed to bring a candidate on board.
Lessons for Every Organization
Whether you’re leading a global enterprise or a small startup, Hastings’ approach offers a powerful lesson: take references seriously. Digging deeper into a candidate’s background and prioritizing trust can help you build a team that aligns with your company’s values and goals.
This meticulous process might take more time, but as Hastings proves, it’s worth the effort when building a team capable of changing the world.
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