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Best Practices for Screening

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Test Creation

  1. Certified Assessments
    Use HackerRank’s Certified Assessments for standardized tests tailored to different campuses or candidate batches. This fully managed option allows for quick, reliable test creation.
  2. Incorporate Project Simulations
    For niche technical roles (e.g., AI/ML, Cybersecurity, Cloud), consider using project-based questions in which candidates create a real-world application in a browser environment. For more details, refer to Introduction to HackerRank Projects.   
  3. Randomize Questions and Sections
    Enable the Shuffle Questions setting for your tests to discourage candidates from sharing specific questions, as each candidate will encounter a unique sequence.
  4. Implement Time Constraints
    Apply time limits for each coding question or the overall assessment to discourage candidates from capturing and sharing questions.
  5. Enable Short Login Windows
    Limit the login window to a short duration (e.g., 10 minutes) to ensure all candidates start the test simultaneously and minimize opportunities to wait for answers.
  6. Utilize Advanced Proctoring Tools
    HackerRank’s proctoring tools monitor candidates in real-time, offering features like watermarking, multiple monitor detection, and AI-based plagiarism detection to identify similar code among candidates and detect assistance from external tools. Refer to Best Practices to Maintain Test Integrity
  7. Use Multiple Test Versions
    Create multiple versions of the same test with shuffled questions and assign these versions to different candidate groups, reducing the risk of shared answers.
  8. Offer Candidate Preparation Resources
    HackerRank provides curated practice tests and coding questions to support candidates in preparing for the specific role, fostering a fair and inclusive hiring process. Ask the candidates to try the sample test before attempting the actual test. You can also instruct the candidates to prep using the candidate support page. 

Recommendations

  1. Take a Holistic Approach to Assessments
    Evaluate skills, experience, and cultural fit through technical assessments, behavioral interviews, and project-based discussions, offering a complete picture of the candidate.
  2. Initial Screening by Hiring Manager
    Have the hiring manager conduct an initial screening to engage the candidate early, fostering transparency and increasing the likelihood of test completion.
  3. Use Project-Based Take-Home Assignments
    For senior candidates, provide take-home assignments that simulate real-world challenges. This will allow candidates to demonstrate problem-solving, coding skills, and creativity in a practical setting.
  4. Conduct Focused Technical Interviews
    Dive into the candidate’s take-home assignment and explore their technical decisions and problem-solving methods, addressing advanced topics that reflect the role’s requirements.
  5. Flexible Evaluation Process
    Recognize that senior candidates’ extensive experience may make traditional assessments less relevant. Consider moving directly to interviews based on their profile and track record.

Be Prepared

  • Before sending your test to a candidate, have a fellow employee review it to confirm it is clear and error-free.
  • Ensure that the problem statement is well-structured and includes sample inputs and outputs.
  • Respect candidates’ time by moving high-scoring candidates through the hiring process more quickly.
  • Remember that while not all candidates will complete the challenge, those who do are typically highly qualified, streamlining and strengthening your hiring process.

Be Creative

  • Craft unique, engaging challenges that resonate with your industry or brand. Customized questions often see higher completion rates than generic ones.
  • Don’t shy away from inventive scenarios. Examples include:
    • "Calculate the fuel needed for a rocket ship to reach Mars."
    • "Help James Bond decrypt a code to save the world."
    • "Plan a city’s new rail line to serve the most residents with the fewest stops."

These best practices ensure a comprehensive, fair, and engaging assessment experience for junior and senior candidates.

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