Test & Code

72: Technical Interview Fixes - April Wensel

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Some typical technical interview practices can be harmful and get in the way of hiring great people. April Wensel offers advice to help fix the technical interview process.

She recommends:

  • hire for mindset and attitude
  • look for empathy and mentorship skills
  • allow candidates to show their strengths instead of hunting for weaknesses
  • have the candidate leave feeling good about themselves and your company, regardless of the hiring decision

    • Some topics discussed:

    • interview questions to bring out stories of skills and successes
    • stereotype threat
    • diversity
    • interview hazing
    • white boards
    • coding challenges
    • unconscious bias
    • emotional intelligence
    • myth of talent shortage
    • pair programming and collaboration during interviews
    • mirrortocracy
    • cultural add vs cultural fit
    • empathy
    • mentoring

      • This episode is important for anyone going into a technical interview, as a candidate, as a hiring manager, or as a member of an interview team.

      Special Guest: April Wensel.

      Links:

      • Compassionate Coding
      • Leave Your “Gut” Out of Hiring Decisions
      • If You Can Use a Fork, You’re “Technical” — April Wensel
      • Project Include
      ...more
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