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Should Your Org do Amazon’s Bar Raiser Interviews?

Aug 6, 2024

20:57

Snipd AI

Kelli Dragovich, an expert in bar raiser interview programs, teams up with Nolan Church, a keen commentator on hiring practices. They discuss the practicality of adopting bar raiser interviews, inspired by Amazon's model. The duo examines key advantages, such as minimizing biases through objective interviewers, while also uncovering potential challenges in implementation. They highlight the need for clear definitions and interviewer training to enhance candidate evaluations, making a strong case for thoughtful execution to attract top talent.

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Quick takeaways

The Bar Raiser interview program aims to enhance hiring objectivity but faces challenges related to interviewer burnout and inherent biases.

Successful implementation requires clear communication, comprehensive training, and collaboration with top performers to align with diversity goals.

Deep dives

Understanding the Bar Raiser Concept

The Bar Raiser concept aims to introduce objectivity into the hiring process by enlisting a select group of interviewers to evaluate candidates against a set of defined competencies. This approach is designed to promote innovation and maintain high standards within organizations. However, the term 'Bar Raiser' can lead to confusion, as many individuals may misinterpret its meaning or application within the hiring process. Implementing such a program effectively requires clear communication about its purpose and the necessary training to ensure that interviewers understand how to assess candidates accurately.

Intro

2min

Navigating the Complexities of Bar Raiser Interviews

5min

Navigating the Complexities of Interviewing in Organizations

5min

Navigating Bar Raiser Interviews

6min

Effective Implementation of a Bar Raiser Program

3min

In this episode of HR Heretics, Nolan Church and Kelli Dragovich weigh in on a listener's question (shoutout Karissa!) about implementing 'bar raiser' interview programs at her Series D company. Are they worth the hype, or just an HR trend? Kelli and Nolan dig in.

You too can email us your questions or topics for Kelli & Nolan: hrheretics@turpentine.co

HR Heretics is a podcast from Turpentine.

Support HR Heretics Sponsors:

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KEEP UP WITH NOLAN, + KELLI ON LINKEDIN

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

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

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TIMESTAMPS:

(00:00) Intro

(00:21) Implementing a bar raiser interview process

(00:57) Amazon's Bar Raiser Program

(01:36) Rebranding the "Bar Raiser" Process

(02:42) The Amazon Approach

(03:24) Avoiding Bias & Alternative Approaches

(04:46) DoorDash's Experience

(06:00) Challenges & Trade-offs

(07:18) Sponsor: Metaview | Workvivo

(08:16) DoorDash's Shift From the "Bar Raiser" Program

(10:18) Alternatives & First Principles

(12:31) Addressing CEO Expectations

(13:25) Bias & Homogeneous Cultures

(14:44) The Role of CEOs & Founders

(15:19) Diligence & Feedback

(17:21) Going Slow to Go Fast

(18:17) Misaligned Expectations

(19:10) Start Small & Experiment

(19:33) Wrap

(19:47) Sponsor: Planful

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

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