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<br>When hiring for technical roles, traditional screening methods often fail to expose a candidate’s true capabilities. A resume might state familiarity with Python or найти программиста React, but how deeply can they implement those skills to solve genuine engineering tasks? That’s where real-world project samples come in. Giving candidates a manageable hands-on task to complete offers a clear and actionable way to assess their abilities outside academic knowledge.
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<br>Instead of asking theoretical puzzles during an interview, provide a task that reflects real job duties. For example, if you’re hiring a server-side engineer, ask them to implement a RESTful service with auth and mock DB integration. For a client-side engineer, request a mobile-friendly webpage consuming external API data. These tasks should take no more than 2–4 hours to complete, ensuring they’re reasonable yet revealing.
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<br>The goal isn’t to set them up for failure but to observe how they think, organize their code, and communicate their process. Do they write well-documented, readable implementations? Do they anticipate failures and build resilience? Are they able to follow instructions while still making thoughtful design choices? Their approach often tells you a deeper truth than standardized exams.
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<br>It’s also important to give context. Tell them what the project is meant to model—whether it’s a module for a SaaS platform or a utility for team workflows. This helps them see the business value and encourages them to think like a professional, not just a test taker.
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<br>Candidates welcome this kind of assessment because it signals that execution matters more than credentials. It also creates equity for non-traditional candidates or those without traditional degrees. Someone who developed a portfolio piece independently may outperform a candidate with an top-tier university credential but zero practical track record.
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<br>After reviewing submissions, have a conversation. Ask them to walk through their solution. What did they decide to optimize? What would they change if they had more time? This dialogue often exposes their learning agility, inquisitiveness, and growth orientation.
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<br>Testing with real-world project samples doesn’t just help you hire better. It helps candidates demonstrate their true potential. It turns hiring from a guessing game into a meaningful exchange of skills and potential.
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