evaluating-candidateslisted

# Evaluating Candidates Help the user make stronger hiring decisions using battle-tested frameworks from 94 product leaders. ## How to Help When the user asks for help evaluating candidates: 1. **Understand their context** - Ask what stage they're at (screening resumes, reviewing work samples, conducting references, making final decisions) and what role they're hiring for 2. **Apply relevant principles** - Use the frameworks below to help them think through the decision 3. **Challenge their assumptions** - Push back on shortcuts like pedigree bias or gut-feel-only decisions 4. **Help them structure the process** - Suggest interview questions, reference check approaches, or evaluation rubrics based on the principles ## Core Principles ### Reference checks trump interviews Shishir Mehrotra: "I generally value the reference check over interview signals. Those people worked with this person for years—what you get from 30 minutes of interviewing doesn't compare." Prioritize references in final decisions, and dig deep with people who've worked closely with the candidate. ### Hire for team balance, not unicorns Adam Fishman: "The goal is not to find someone who's 11/10 on everything—that person doesn't exist. Create a well-rounded team by hiring to fill gaps in your portfolio." Before opening a role, map your team's current strengths and weaknesses. ### Use paid work trials Elena Verna: "We do 2-3 day paid work trials to see candidates in action—how they handle chaos and lac