@kerrizor RailsConf 2015
INTERVIEW DAY!
• Have a schedule
• Set expectations
• Have diverse
interviewers
• Allow for breaks
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@kerrizor RailsConf 2015
MAKE A GAME PLAN
• Assign areas of focus
• Have a hand-off plan
• Coordinate questions
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@kerrizor RailsConf 2015
SETTLING IN
• Start with a simple
conversation
• Double-check for red
flags
• Learn how they
communicate
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@kerrizor RailsConf 2015
BEHAVIORAL INTERVIEWING
• Hypothetical questions
are game-able
• Ask for the story of
specific situations
• Keep in mind they
want to get hired!
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@kerrizor RailsConf 2015
COLLABORATION AUDITION
• Plan an app
• Focus on high-level design
• Jr - simple MVC app
• Mid/Sr - OO game
• Sr/Lead - distributed API
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@kerrizor RailsConf 2015
PAIRING AUDITION
• Not everyone pairs
• Let them use their
setup
• Pick a kata or project
you’re both familiar
(but not intimate) with
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@kerrizor RailsConf 2015
PRESENTATION AUDITION
• Have candidate teach
you something
• It needn't be technical
• Set clear expectations
about length, format,
and investment of time
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@kerrizor RailsConf 2015
INTERVIEW LUNCH - AN OPPORTUNITY!
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@kerrizor RailsConf 2015
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@kerrizor RailsConf 2015
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@kerrizor RailsConf 2015
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@kerrizor RailsConf 2015
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@kerrizor RailsConf 2015
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@kerrizor RailsConf 2015
AFTER THE INTERVIEW
• Record impressions
immediately
• What would change
your mind?
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@kerrizor RailsConf 2015
DECISIONS, DECISIONS..
• Gather all feedback, then
discuss as a group
• Find a consensus
• Follow-up interviews can be
problematic
• Set candidate expectations for
response and meet them
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@kerrizor RailsConf 2015
• Don’t make it
personal
• Be respectful
• Explain potential
for reapplication
HANDLING REJECTION
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KEEP IMPROVING
YOUR PROCESS
@kerrizor RailsConf 2015
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@kerrizor RailsConf 2015
WE IMPROVE WHAT WE MEASURE
• Register predictions
ahead of time
• Discover your biases
• Keep tabs on people
you turn down
@kerrizor RailsConf 2015
GPA, SAT, GRE
• GPA useless after 2-3 years
• More interesting to see what
was studied than test results
• SAT and GRE are for judging
academic performance only
• High School transcripts = LOL
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@kerrizor RailsConf 2015
“NEGGING”
• “You’re not qualified for this
job -- I’m not sure how you
got this interview”
• “You’re qualified but I’m not
feeling a spark. Convince me
you’re the right person for
this job.”
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@kerrizor RailsConf 2015
“SUBMIT A PR TO APPLY”
• What about the well-
documented barriers to OSS?
• You’re asking for free work
for the CHANCE of a job
• Many people can’t tip their
hand that they’re looking for
new employment
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@kerrizor RailsConf 2015
GROUP/SPEED INTERVIEWS
• Disrespectful of
individuals
• Filters for people who
can attract your
attention
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@kerrizor RailsConf 2015
PUZZLE QUESTIONS
• Google on puzzle questions:
“a complete waste of time”
• Filter for people who have
the same context as you
• Only serve to make you feel
smart
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@kerrizor RailsConf 2015
WHITEBOARD CODING
• It is artificial to code
by writing on the wall
• Adversarial rather
than collaborative
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@kerrizor RailsConf 2015
FIZZBUZZ
• At best: a time waster
• At worst: an insult
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Steven Mullin
@kerrizor RailsConf 2015
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@kerrizor RailsConf 2015
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@kerrizor RailsConf 2015
KERRI MILLER (@KERRIZOR)
• glass artist
• Vespa mechanic
• lighting designer
• author & teacher
• player of games
• software developer