[jaz46]

For high level and exec positions, I will almost certainly do backchannels. But I only do it if I or someone on my exec team is closely enough connected to the backchannel that I know and trust their opinion. The whole point of a backchannel is that it should be an even more trusted source than the gauntlet of interviews I've already put the candidate through.

Backchanneling on every candidate would be way too much. It's only worthwhile when its a high level and high impact role. Moreso, if you were to feel the need to backchannel on everyone, that basically means you dont trust your current team and interview process and should instead focus on that.

Cold backchannel make no sense to me. Not only does it not accomplish the goals of having a trusted and confidential source, but also I would not want this getting back to the candidate accidentally. That would be poor form.