Hiring Without Whiteboards: A Better Approach

What’s the Issue with “Whiteboard” Interviews?

The GitHub repository poteto/hiring-without-whiteboards is a treasure trove of information. It’s a curated list of companies (and teams) that have decided to break away from traditional interview practices. But wait, what exactly do we mean by “whiteboard” interviews?

• Metaphorical Whiteboards: When we say “whiteboards,” we’re not talking about the physical boards themselves. Instead, it’s a symbol for the kind of CS trivia questions that have plagued tech interviews for years. You know, those technical puzzles, riddles, and brainteasers that often feel disconnected from real-world work.

What Do These Companies Do Differently?

The companies and teams listed in this repository take a refreshing approach. They use interview techniques that resemble day-to-day work:

1. Pairing on Real Problems: Imagine sitting down with an interviewer and tackling an actual problem together. No more abstract riddles—just a genuine challenge that mirrors what you’d encounter on the job.
2. Take-Home Exercises: Some companies provide take-home exercises. These can be paid or unpaid, but they simulate real-world tasks. You get to showcase your skills in a more practical context.
3. No More CS Trivia: Instead of asking questions that have no bearing on the role, these companies adapt their questions to be relevant. After all, knowing obscure algorithms doesn’t always translate to success in the real world.

Recommendations for Better Interviews

If you’re a company looking to improve your interview process, consider these recommendations:

1. Make It Relevant: Adapt your questions to resemble the actual work candidates will do. A screening question can easily be tweaked to apply a “real-world” requirement.
2. Embrace Take-Home Challenges: They allow candidates to showcase their skills without the pressure of a live interview.
3. Be Human: Remember that interviews are conversations. Focus on understanding the candidate’s problem-solving approach and communication skills.

Companies Leading the Way

Here are a few examples from the list:

• 1000.software: Based in Krakow, Poland (and also offering remote positions), they emphasize two interviews—one on soft skills and another on technical skills. Expect discussions about building things and solving specific, real-world problems.
• Aalyria: A remote company that combines a timeboxed design exercise with coding exercises. They follow up with technical and behavioral discussions.
• Abstract: Located in San Francisco, CA, Abstract focuses on technical phone discussions and behavioral interviews. No more brain teasers!
• Gridscale: Operating in Cologne, Germany (and offering remote positions), Gridscale conducts intro video calls, team fit assessments, and small real-world problem-solving rounds.

Remember, these companies are leading the way toward more meaningful interviews. So, if you’re a job seeker, keep an eye out for opportunities at these forward-thinking organizations!

Feel free to explore the GitHub repository for more details and additional companies. And hey, if you’ve had experiences with any of these companies that contradict their descriptions, you can even contribute by opening a pull request to update the list.

Happy interviewing, and may your next interview be more about solving real problems and less about deciphering obscure algorithms! 😊🌟

Companies List: Link -> https://github.com/poteto/hiring-without-whiteboards