Has anyone ever given a developer interview online?

Question

In these trying times I've been asking to dramatically reduce our costs associated with hiring developers. One of the ways we're hoping to do this is to stop flying candidates in until we're 98% sure we're going to hire them.

To accomplish that goal, we're thinking about doing some of the interviews via webcam. Most of our interview process translates just fine to webcam, except the coding portion. To me, that's the most important part, because I feel like its my chance to get into the developers head and see how they think. And maybe its me, but I don't care so much what you know, I want to know how you think.

Anyway, has anyone ever done or given a coding interview over a webcam? What technologies did you use? How did it work? How effective do you feel it was for assessing your(their) skill set?

Answer 1

I don't have a webcam. Does that disqualify me?

I dunno, it just seems weird. OK, I'll go buy a webcam, maybe one of those high-resolution ones, and install [insert name of teleconferencing software your company happens to be using here]. Do I have to clean up my room first? What about those political books in my bookshelf behind my desk; do I need to remove those?

Do I have to wear my interview suit to the webcam interview, or are you OK with bunny slippers?

Answer 2

Why not just do the Tried-And-True phone interview to weed out candidates before you fly them in? It's a crapshoot anyway. There is no interview process I've ever experienced (phone, web, face-to-face) that isn't just first-date BS (e.g. The first date is the one where you spend the entire time covering up your own flaws, so it's an incredibly dishonest experience. The employer isn't going to go into all the stuff that makes their workplace unpleasant, and the interviewee isn't going to go into the stuff that makes them unpleasant).

In terms of an actual evaluation, you're better off just looking at the resumes, and then doing a heads-up call to try and make sure they aren't lying.

The only way to really know whether or not you've got a good person is to bring them in house for a week or so and make them do something.

Answer 3

I haven't done one myself, but I'd be open to it myself, and think it's a good idea. I know how it is when you're looking for someone with a really quick and very analytical mind, and it's tough to determine that remotely.

Answer 4

Often hotels will rent video conferencing facilities with white boards and such. There are also a number of services that will rent interview rooms with video and other facilities. That will generally provide a more professional atmosphere than a simple webcam.

For programming, consider webex or other desktop sharing software. Share the desktop or the editor. There are markers, highlighters and other tools built-in to aid in asking questions and pointing out areas of interest.