The TORC Technique “Truth Serum” (Overview)
- A key concept that makes the “12 Topgrading Steps to Hiring” work is the Threat of Reference Check (TORC) Technique.
- One of the most serious problems in hiring is dishonesty: weaker candidates fake their resumes and sanitize their interviews with hype, omission, and deliberate falsehoods, and they get away with it because hiring companies rarely conduct reference calls with former bosses of candidates.
- It’s the TORC Technique that lets candidates know, at every step in the hiring process, that a final step in the hiring process is for them to arrange personal reference calls with former bosses and others their interviewers want to talk with.
- TORC Scares away C Players.
- High performers do get their former bosses to talk and are happy to make the arrangement.
How and When Do You Tell Candidates About TORC?
- Tell candidates at every step in your hiring process.
- Even before you begin the 12 Topgrading Hiring Steps, include it in the careers section of your website.
- Short Explanation: A final step in the hiring process is for candidates to arrange personal reference calls with former supervisors as well as others we may choose.
- Long Explanation: A final step in the hiring process is for candidates to arrange personal reference calls with former supervisors as well as others we may choose. There are three reasons for this:
- Your development. Candid insights of managers and others can be used to help you move smoothly into your next job and can help you create a powerful Individual Development Plan.
- Verification. Discussions with former managers and others will add credibility to the information you have provided throughout the hiring process.
- Ease. It’s difficult to get former supervisors and others to talk with us, but high performers can arrange for those personal discussions.
What Are the TOC Questions in the Topgrading Interview Guide?
- Supervisor’s name and title.
- Where is that person now?
- Would you be willing for us to talk to him or her?
- What were the supervisor’s strengths?
- What were the supervisor’s weaker points?
- What is your best guess as to what he/she felt were your strengths and weaknesses?
- What would he/she rate your overall performance?
Summary: How to use the TORC Technique Effectively
- Announce TORC. Let candidates know about TORC at every step in your hiring process.
- Tandem interviewers choose the references, after the Topgrading interview.
- Call the references. Use the Topgrading Reference Check Guide (p. 168).
- Compare notes. Share your reference-check notes with your tandem interviewer. Use the information to finalize your Executive Summary.
