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Cursor’s Ward says dropping work trials ‘tanked’ hiring confidence

Lenny's Podcast · The playbook for building high talent density teams | Adam Ward, Head of Talent at Cursor · August 9, 2026
Cursor’s Ward says dropping work trials ‘tanked’ hiring confidence
Lenny's Podcast
Lenny's Podcast
The playbook for building high talent density teams | Adam Ward, Head of Talent at Cursor
"When we ran that experiment, um you know, cuz it is it is quite expensive. It is also a big ask of candidates. We really struggled to have confidence in our decision."
Ward says Cursor tested removing work-trial projects from its hiring process because they are time-consuming for teams and candidates. He says the change reduced the company’s confidence in hiring decisions, and the firm reverted to work trials.
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Lenny's Podcast
Lenny's Podcast

The playbook for building high talent density teams | Adam Ward, Head of Talent at Cursor

August 10, 2026 · 1h 30m · 6 Egleze moments
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