Gary Vaynerchuk on Hiring: Trusting Intuition Over References

In a recent LinkedIn post, Gary Vaynerchuk discusses his unconventional approach to hiring, emphasizing the importance of intuition and pattern recognition over traditional reference checks. The entrepreneur and investor, known for his direct communication style, shared his perspective on the inherent uncertainties in the hiring process and how he navigates them.

The Limitations of Reference Checks

Vaynerchuk openly questions the efficacy of checking references, suggesting it’s often an impractical and unreliable step. He points out that candidates typically select references who are predisposed to speak positively about them, making the feedback potentially biased.

“My friends, hiring is a guessing game. I don’t think I’ve ever checked a reference… It’s not practical. Of course people are gonna list the 3 people that either most believe in them or love them, and/or the people that they’ve prepped to have their back.”

As Vaynerchuk notes, this practice can lead to a skewed perception of a candidate, as references are often chosen for their loyalty or pre-arranged positive testimony rather than objective assessment.

Intuition as a Key Hiring Metric

Instead of relying heavily on external validation like references, Vaynerchuk advocates for a more internal and instinctual approach. He posits that a hiring manager’s intuition, built on experience and understanding of their organization’s needs, plays a crucial role.

According to Vaynerchuk, hiring is fundamentally a “logical guess” informed by the questions asked and the insights gained during the interview process. He stresses the value of “pattern recognition” – the ability to identify traits and behaviors that align with the company culture and the demands of the role.

“Listen, I don’t think you need to hire just anyone and everyone .. but hiring is really just a logical guess, to the best of your ability, based on what you know about your organization and the series of questions you ask.”

In Vaynerchuk’s view, trusting one’s gut feeling, honed by experience, is a more effective strategy than meticulously verifying references that may offer little genuine insight.

Embracing Imperfection and Moving Forward

Vaynerchuk acknowledges that even with the best intuition, hiring decisions are not always perfect. He accepts that sometimes, despite best efforts, a hire may not work out.

“Trust your intuition, your pattern recognition .. and if it doesn’t work out, then you fire.”

This pragmatic outlook suggests that the focus should be on making the best possible decision with the available information and being prepared to act decisively if the outcome is not as expected. Vaynerchuk’s advice offers a counterpoint to conventional hiring wisdom, encouraging leaders to rely more on their judgment and less on potentially misleading external assurances.