Technical interviews are a critical part of the hiring process, but many companies struggle to conduct them effectively. As former FAANG engineers who've conducted hundreds of interviews, we've learned what works and what doesn't.
1. Focus on Real Problem-Solving
The best technical interviews test a candidate's ability to solve real-world problems, not just memorize algorithms. Ask questions that mirror the actual work they'll be doing. This gives you a much better sense of their capabilities and how they'll perform on the job.
2. Assess Communication Skills
Coding is collaborative. A great engineer who can't explain their thought process or work with others won't be effective. During the interview, pay attention to how candidates communicate their approach, ask clarifying questions, and handle feedback.
3. Use Structured Evaluation
Create a consistent evaluation framework. Assess candidates on specific criteria: problem-solving approach, code quality, technical knowledge, and communication. This helps eliminate bias and ensures you're comparing candidates fairly.
4. Record and Review
Video recordings of interviews are invaluable. They allow you to review candidates more carefully, share insights with your team, and make better hiring decisions. At Brighter Tunnel, we provide video recordings with every interview report.
Conclusion
Effective technical interviews require preparation, structure, and focus on what actually matters. If you're spending too much time on interviews instead of building, consider outsourcing your technical screening to experienced engineers who can handle this process for you.