Andreessen Horowitz's Matt Oberhardt on Backchannels, Mock Interviews, and Exec Recruiting in 2024

In this episode of HR Heretics, we have a conversation with Matt Oberhart, partner at Andreessen Horowitz (a16z), about the complexities of recruiting executives and finding talent. Matt explains the importance of precision in referencing and maintaining professionalism in recruitment processes. We also cover specific advice for founders, the transition of veterans into start-ups, and dealing with the 2024 macro and job market. Find the best fractional execs at Continuum: https://bit.ly/40hlRa9

HR Heretics is part of the Turpentine podcast network. Learn more: www.turpentine.co

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KEEP UP WITH MATT, NOLAN, + KELLI ON LINKEDIN

Matt: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mattoberhardt/

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

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

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LINKS:

Andreessen Horowitz Exec Hiring Guide: https://a16z.com/executive-hiring/

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TIMESTAMPS:

(00:00) Intro

(03:21) Matt's Role at a16z and Approach in Talent Assessment

(06:10) Balancing External and Internal Roles

(07:35) Measuring Success in Talent Assessment

(09:10) The Mock Process in Executive Hiring

(15:02) Assessing Fit in Executive Hiring

(18:39) Effective Reference Processing

(22:25) Support our sponsors: Lattice | Continuum

(24:35) Dealing with Negative References

(26:48) The Importance of Nuance in Hiring

(27:46) The Concept of Personal Growth in Candidates

(28:43) Reengaging with Executives and Understanding Their Growth

(29:56) The Challenge of Making Decisions as a Founder

(37:44) The Role of Veterans in Startups

(44:16) The Impact of Market Shifts on Hiring

(46:49) The Challenge of Retaining Top Talent

(50:55) The Value of Tough Feedback in Interviews