In this HR Heretics segment, Nolan and Kelli talk about "back channels" in the hiring process.

They dive deep into this controversial practice and how back channels can impact candidate selection, emphasizing the need for a thoughtful, mature approach that considers the full context of a candidate's experience and potential.

*Email us your questions or topics for Kelli & Nolan: hrheretics@turpentine.co

HR Heretics is a podcast from Turpentine.

Support HR Heretics Sponsors:

Planful empowers teams just like yours to unlock the secrets of successful workforce planning. Use data-driven insights to develop accurate forecasts, close hiring gaps, and adjust talent acquisition plans collaboratively based on costs today and into the future. ✍️ Go to http://planful.com/heretics to see how you can transform your HR strategy.

Discover Workvivo, Zoom’s employee experience platform, designed to delight your hybrid workforce. With dynamic and intuitive features people actually like using, Workvivo fosters a sense of belonging and boosts retention and productivity. Join Ryanair, Dollar General, and Virgin — head to https://bit.ly/hrhereticsworkvivo to book a demo (tell them Kelli and Nolan sent you).

Metaview is the AI assistant for interviewing. Metaview completely removes the need for recruiters and hiring managers to take notes during interviews—because their AI is designed to take world-class interview notes for you. Team builders at companies like Brex, Hellofresh, and Quora say Metaview has changed the game—see the magic for yourself: https://www.metaview.ai/heretics

KEEP UP WITH NOLAN, + KELLI ON LINKEDIN

Nolan: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nolan-church/

Kelli: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kellidragovich/

—

TIMESTAMPS:

(00:00) - Intro

(00:54) - Defining back channels as "underground mafia" of feedback 

(01:52) - The right way to do back channeling 

(03:03) - Maturity in back channeling conversations 

(04:12) - When to do back channeling

(05:43) - Avoiding the "back channeling frenzy" 

(06:42) - Timing of back channeling in the hiring process 

(07:55) - Sponsors - Planful | Workvivo

(10:48) - How to properly conduct a back channel inquiry 

(12:04) - Sponsor - Metaview

(13:40) - Typical back channel communication methods 

(14:50) - Real example of a nuanced back channel situation 

(15:59) - The "family reunion" analogy for bias in back channels 

(17:18) - Importance of considering human growth in back channels 

(18:31) - Handling negative back channel feedback 

(20:05) - Using back channel feedback as a litmus test for candidates 

(20:53) - Criticism of board members' approach to back channels 

(21:51) - Shallowness in high-level back channel feedback 

(22:45) - Wrap

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit hrheretics.substack.com