Topgrading
by Bradford D. Smart
Smart's original, more exhaustive system for hiring A-players: the threat of reference check, the chronological in-depth interview, competency models and talent reviews. It is long and dense; Who (by his son) is the streamlined version and most readers should start there.
Read it if…
you run talent for an organization and want the full system.
Skip it if…
you want the essentials; see Who.
Three things you will actually use
- Mis-hires cost many multiples of salary.
- Candor rises when reference checks are certain.
- Rate and upgrade talent continuously.
Do this first
Tell candidates up front that you will call every boss they name; watch candor improve.
Our verdict
Exhaustive original.
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