References are the most underrated tool in hiring, argues First Round Capital

rseroter · x · 2026-10-14

rseroter shares a First Round Capital piece: hiring after 3-4 interviews and a casual reference check is bonkers, and it's a miracle it often works.
The article argues references are the single most valuable hiring tool, but standard execution is horrendous — sub-10-minute calls, generic questions, glowing answers from handpicked contacts that at best add nothing and at worst confirm existing bias.
It also notes traditional interviews are deeply flawed: a few hours can't reveal someone's core, capabilities, future skills, and enabling conditions. Hiring is like getting married after a second date.

More from Companies & People