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Known useless indicators:

* Resumes

* Skills tests (hacker rank)

* Whiteboard interviews

* Unstructured interviews

* Employee referrals

No wonder headhunters have such a good business. Not that they're more discriminating, but they can pretend to be the solution to an intractable problem.

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> No wonder headhunters have such a good business. Not that they're more discriminating, but they can pretend to be the solution to an intractable problem.

Do companies view them this way though? I've always thought that hiring external recruiters to bring in a bunch of candidates is done to outsource the scummy task of bothering people via phone, linkedin etc.

I agree with most, but referrals are one of the most important indicators. "A hire As, B hire Cs". A known issue, however, is the workforce diverse given the heavy use of referral methods.

All my referral tells you is I have a friend who needs a job and that I want $5000. Whether my friend is any good or not is something you'll find out after I cash my check.

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