Hiring
How to hire fast without sacrificing quality
A practical checklist for screening, scoping, and shortlisting so you can move quickly and still land senior talent.
Define a tight brief
Start with outcomes, not tasks. Spell out the problem, what success looks like, and what constraints matter most.
Include scope boundaries and a clear handoff. Ambiguity slows hiring more than a smaller budget ever will.
List must-haves versus nice-to-haves so candidates can propose realistic timelines and trade-offs.
Screen quickly with proof
Ask for one relevant work sample and one short answer about approach. It filters faster than long portfolios.
Use a short paid test only when the role needs it. Time-box it to 2 to 3 hours and pay promptly.
Prioritize evidence of outcomes over tool lists so you see how they think, not just what they use.
Move fast on interviews
Batch interviews into one or two blocks. Decision lag is the biggest reason top candidates drop off.
Close with a clear offer and next step. Good talent values certainty more than the last 5% of negotiation.
Share your decision timeline up front and send a follow-up within 24 hours to keep momentum.