Open Market Eric and Joe on Hiring Failures, Q4 Prep, and Pullups
Oct 1, 2025
Joe shares a hiring blunder involving an inept project manager, detailing the fallout. Eric introduces a hiring framework aimed at improving interviews and avoiding future mistakes. The duo emphasizes the importance of Q4 planning, suggesting that relationships should be nurtured year-round for successful outcomes. They delve into productivity techniques using deadlines and also consider AI's potential influence on workflows during busy periods. Lastly, Joe and Eric lighten the mood with a fitness challenge involving pull-ups and push-ups.
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Failed Project Manager Hire
- Joe hired a project manager who quickly proved unqualified, revealing gaps in language skills and attention to detail.
- He accepts responsibility and plans to use more rigorous interviews and tests next time.
Treat Every Role With Rigor
- Treat every role with rigor, even tactical or administrative ones, and assume nothing is easy.
- Use referrals and internal networks before broad searches for small-company hires.
Write Job And Candidate Specs First
- Write a detailed job spec and candidate spec before hiring to clarify responsibilities and desired traits.
- Run multiple interview rounds and let new hires shadow processes before owning them.
