When hiring experienced developers I optimise the hiring process for a smaller number of candidates who will have many offers to choose between. For me this looks like starting our hiring process with a 30 minute chat for anyone I’ve sourced or who has applied and passed a quick CV review.

  1. 30 minute phone chat
  2. 60 minute remote tech test
  3. 2 hour final stage (more tech, meet the team, and meet the Chief of Staff or CEO)

On the other hand, for junior developers I’ve had 100 applications in a weekend! I sadly don’t have the time for days phone screens, so what I do in that case is start the interview process with a 60 minute remote tech test.

That test has a less than 100% response rate - some people read the exercise or start it and don’t finish and self-select out of the process. Also I can review the responses I do get in under 10 minutes. That way I’m able to do the phone screen with fewer candidates who have already passed our tech test.

  1. 60 minute remote tech test
  2. 30 minute phone chat
  3. 2 hour final stage (more tech, meet the team, and meet the Chief of Staff or CEO)