I've been applying for jobs lately, and I've run into a bunch of technical assessments that seem really strict. They expect you to complete these tasks without using AI, googling, or even opening developer tools. I just don't get the point of it all. I mean, to be an outstanding developer, you need skills like patience, perseverance, and the ability to find solutions when you're stuck.
For instance, one test I took required me to create a React app that loaded the content from a URL (which was just an HTML page), parse the DOM to find a hidden URL, and then fetch a word from that. After getting the word, I had to render it with a typewriter effect, showing each letter with a delay—all within 30 minutes and without any external help.
What do companies really gain from testing candidates this way? It feels kind of like asking a carpenter to build a house in a week with no tools at all.
4 Answers
If I’m hiring, I want to hire a real person, not someone who’s just relying on AI to do the job. I value actual skills and unique human approaches over strict test responses.
These assessments are definitely not the best. With the job market being so competitive, especially after big layoffs from companies like Microsoft and Amazon, employers are looking for ways to narrow down candidates. They think if someone can solve a problem like this under strict conditions, they must be a quality hire. I took a similar test and managed to finish it, but didn't even get an interview afterward!
Was it part of a capture-the-flag kind of challenge? At least those can be fun!
It really depends on the context. For a more casual discussion, I’d probably expect a verbal explanation, but in a formal testing scenario, sure, use Google or AI if you need to. But what you went through sounds more like a classroom test, not a real-world job assessment. I can’t imagine completing something like that without looking things up!
I totally understand your concern. After eight years in the industry, these tests can feel really disheartening and make you question your skills even if you’re actually very qualified.
Honestly, I think tests like these are just... ridiculous. They often come from companies that don't have experienced people to properly evaluate a developer's skills. It's like they're just trying to weed out anyone who has self-respect or knows their worth. It's frustrating for candidates, and you're definitely not alone in feeling that way.
I appreciate that perspective! Makes me feel a bit better about the situation.