Not interested in the background and want to jump into some code? Link here: https://github.com/alexgurr/react-coding-challenges

Our interview process used to look like this:

1) Initial 15 minute phone call, 'the moron test'. Did the candidate research the business? Are they aligned with what we're looking for? Some basic information about their experience.

2) One hour technical interview. Questions about various bits of our tech stack, JavaScript, React, GraphQL, testing, clean code. General technical assessment.

3) Tech test/challenge. Takes anywhere from 2 - 8 hours depending on the candidate. Full stack JS - front/backend test.

4) Final interview to talk through the test/candidates code and next steps.

A month or so ago a colleague of mine suggested adding a new step in our interview process. His suggestion was to add a pair coding exercise in the early stages that was relatively short, but would help us identify if a candidate had the following qualities:

Ability to think on the spot

Communication skills and ability to talk through their code with others

Logical thought processes

I introduced a coding challenge designed to be completed in 15 - 30 minutes. The scaffold of the app would be provided for you. You'd have a set of requirements and off you'd go. It was coupled with the initial 15 minute phone call.

The technical challenge? It had to be remote. We didn't want to waste anyone's time if they were the wrong fit. We ended up using VSCode/live collaboration plugin and a small app that allowed me to share my local development server to candidates over the internet.

It worked surprisingly well. The feedback I've had has been excellent and the challenge I was told, was fun. The lesson to be learned is that you can provide small, fun challenges that give some serious benefit.

I've published the challenge to GitHub (not the solution!). I've also added a new one to the same repo. The plan is to build more and more over time. I'm super open to feedback/suggestions/ideas! Reach out! Each one has a difficulty level, time to complete and a set of requirements.

Repo here: https://github.com/alexgurr/react-coding-challenges

If you're interested in my solutions, DM for invitation to the private repository on GitHub.