Tech sector job interviews assess anxiety, not software skills: study (news.ncsu.edu)

Article summary

A study by North Carolina State University and Microsoft found that technical interviews in the software engineering sector may be assessing a candidate's performance anxiety rather than their coding skills. The study discovered that candidates who took a traditional technical interview performed half as well as those who took a private interview. This suggests that companies may be missing out on qualified candidates due to the interview format. The study's findings highlight the need for a more inclusive and equitable hiring process.

Main themes

• Technical interviews
• Performance anxiety
• Hiring process flaws
• Cultural fit vs technical ability
• Diversity in tech
• Interview format alternatives
• Anxiety management techniques
• Industry criticism

What commenters say

• Some interviewees have had success with a relaxed attitude, even when they didn't expect to get the job.
• The traditional technical interview process can be flawed and may favor candidates who are already familiar with the format.
• A few commenters suggested that being desperate or overly eager can negatively impact an interview, while others found that a carefree attitude helped them perform better.
• The tech industry's hiring process has been criticized for prioritizing cultural fit over technical ability, leading to a lack of diversity in the workforce.
• Some companies may be using the interview process to exclude certain candidates or favor those with industry connections.
• Alternative interview techniques, such as private focus sessions or retrospective think-aloud, may be more effective in assessing a candidate's problem-solving abilities.
• The current interview format may be a barrier to hiring talented candidates, particularly those from underrepresented groups.
• A few commenters shared their own experiences of using unconventional methods, such as meditation or anxiolytics, to manage their anxiety during interviews.