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MacCaw: Interviews Fail; References Are the Only Reliable Evaluation Method

Alex MacCaw · 20VC: Clearbit Founder Alex MacCaw on How To Successfully Negotiate with Investors, What Value-Add Do VCs Really Bring & Why You Should Only Have Operators on Your Board · Sep 13, 2019 · at 5:34

Alex MacCaw, founder and CEO of Clearbit, discusses startup hiring and candidate evaluation methods with 20VC host Harry Stebbings.

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“But I do believe that frankly, interviews just don't cut it. You know, the only real way we found of evaluating candidates is through references and back channels.”

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