The Problem: Technical Interview Challenges
Coding Test Inflection Point
In this era of AI and LeetCodeTM, it is extremely difficult to differentiate true talent from rote knowledge. This becomes critical when the project’s viability depends on recruiting key players with deep technological understanding. In Embedded/Firmware engineering, the de facto standard for distinguishing between expertise derived from strong grasp of the concepts and merely memorized information was to subject the candidate to various coding tasks during the interview process. But, with AI improving the interview coaching methods and coding exercise specialization websites like LeetCode, asking candidates to write snippets of code as a litmus test for their knowledge is no longer a foolproof strategy.
Verbal and Non-Verbal Communication
Clear and effective communication among team members is crucial for the success of any project. Embedded and Firmware projects face added complexity because communication among stakeholders like Technical Marketing, Software, Firmware, and Hardware is often the key to the project’s success. Therefore, companies invest significant time during the screening process to assess a candidate’s communication skills, both verbal and non-verbal. Bluehatsoft teams have perfected a system that includes evaluating the 7C’s of communication (viz., clear, concise, concrete, correct, coherent, complete, and courteous), helping clients reduce the time taken per candidate.
Problem-Solving Approaches
Often, the process of reaching a solution is just as important as the solution itself. Therefore, technical screenings frequently include problems that require a ground-up approach, building the solution in a step-by-step fashion. At Bluehatsoft, we design specific problems based on the roles and responsibilities and evaluate candidates on their approach to the problem, not just the final solution.
Attention to Detail in Design
The best way to evaluate a candidate’s suitability for a position is by having them solve real-life problems relevant to the role. However, this approach is not always feasible due to the need to expose candidates to confidential company information. To address this, Bluehatsoft, after a thorough process of due non-disclosure agreements, collaborates with the hiring authority to create challenges that closely mimic real problems. These challenges effectively assess the candidate’s critical thinking and design skills.
The Solution: Bluehatsoft's Tech-SaaS
What Is Technical Screening as a Service?
Bluehatsoft offers a comprehensive Embedded/Firmware engineering technical screening service that evaluates the candidate for both technical as well as non-technical abilities that the target role requires. Companies can, by engaging with Bluehatsoft for Tech-SaaS, significantly cut down the time investment in the interview process. Companies can either complement their interview process with Bluehatsoft’s Tech-SaaS or replace it altogether.
The Process
As the first step, Bluehatsoft works with the hiring authority to get a list of technical abilities, non-technical skills, professional experience, and personal goals that align with the requirements and responsibilities of the job. Then, once the hiring objectives are clearly understood, Bluehatsoft designs a detailed questionnaire that comprehensively addresses the requirements of the position.
Bluehatsoft’s experienced screening panel conducts the interview process over video/audio calls. The interview is recorded and later transcribed. A candidate analysis report is created with helpful hints for making a hire/no-hire decision.
Client Takeaways
The candidate analysis report, along with the transcribed interview session and the video and audio recordings, are made available to the client. This comprehensive set of materials helps the client reach a hiring decision quickly and efficiently.
