The #1 Hiring Mistake That Even Experienced CTOs Make

Hey there,

We've all heard the horror stories. The star developer who looked perfect on paper but turned out to be a total diva. The seasoned architect who talked a big game but couldn't deliver. The "culture fit" who ended up clashing with everyone.

Bad hires are costly, disruptive, and demoralizing. And as fractional CTOs, the stakes are even higher. When you're brought in to turn a business around, you can't afford to get it wrong.

So what's the secret to making great hires, every time? It's simple: a paid test project.

Before I extend any offer, I always ask the candidate to complete a small, scoped project that mimics the real work they'd be doing. And yes, I pay them for their time.

Why? Because resumes can be embellished. Interviews can be gamed. But actual work doesn't lie.

A well-designed test project will reveal:

1. Technical proficiency: Can they walk the walk?

2. Communication skills: Can they explain their work clearly and persuasively?

3. Problem-solving approach: How do they tackle unfamiliar challenges?

4. Work ethic: Do they deliver quality work, on time, as promised?

I once had a candidate who looked like a slam dunk on paper. Top school, impressive roster of past clients, glowing references. But when I gave him our standard test project, he struggled. It quickly became clear that he was used to coasting on his pedigree rather than rolling up his sleeves and doing the work.

Needless to say, we passed on that hire. And we avoided what could have been a very costly mistake.

Now, some people argue that test projects are unfair to candidates. That if you want someone's work, you should hire them outright. But in my experience, the best candidates are eager to prove themselves. They see a test project as a chance to showcase their skills and make an impact from day one.

So the next time you're looking to add to your team, consider a paid test project. It's a small upfront investment that can save you a world of headaches down the line.

What's your go-to hiring technique? Hit reply and let me know - I'm always looking to up my game.

Happy hiring!
Lior

Lior Weinstein
Founder & Head Coach, CTOx

P.S. Speaking of upping your game, have you checked out our CTOx Accelerator? It's designed specifically for ambitious fractional CTOs who want to expand their leadership toolkit and make a bigger impact for their clients. If you're ready to accelerate your growth, let's talk.