6 things to look for in your coding assessment tool

A version of this article is published on The HackerEarth Blog.

The tech industry is booming, and to keep up with this rapid growth, there has been an explosion of tech interview tools as well. These platforms have vastly been improved to keep up with the ever-evolving hiring landscape. But with so many coding assessment tools and video interview software in the market today, how do you find the best one for your organization’s needs? Here are six things you need to look for in coding interview tools to find the best one for you.

6 things every coding assessment tool must have

The right online coding interview tool can completely transform your hiring process — it not only helps you find the right candidate but also reduces your time and cost to hire. Here are some features to keep an eye out for when picking a tech interview tool -

1. Integration with existing ATS
   When dealing with a large candidate pool full of qualified candidates, it is impossible to manually sift through large volumes of data on a spreadsheet. An Application Tracking System (ATS) acts as a centralized repository of candidate data that keeps track of resumes and saves all received applications even if they were not hired. Look for a coding test platform that effortlessly integrates with your ATS and helps your screen applicants by setting filters.
2. Rich library of questions
   You need a coding assessment tool that comes with a library of questions across various programming languages and frameworks. The platform should support both, modern as well as legacy coding skills. The online coding interview tool must also be able to test for frontend as well as backend developer roles.
3. Remote proctoring
   Proctoring during online coding tests can be a challenge, but with the right coding interview tools, that is one less thing you need to worry about. Automated proctor settings use the power of AI to ensure exam integrity and safety without compromising the candidate’s privacy. You can also remotely proctor the tests via video features.
4. Unique hiring coding challenges
   Depending on the type of role you are hiring for, your hiring needs will vary. So make sure to look for a coding interview tool that allows you to build custom coding tests as per your requirements. You should have the choice of creating different types of questions like MCQs, project-type, or subjective questions that simulate on-the-job problems with the help of custom data sets and test cases.
5. Standardized grading
   To make sure that there is no unintended bias during the assessment and hiring process, use a standardized grading system that keeps the tests objective. Your interview software should automatically generate a report at the end of each coding test and also have a leaderboard that makes it easy for you to quickly identify which candidates make it to the next round.
6. Automated performance reports
   Look for online coding interview tools that give you in-depth analytics and insights into a candidate’s capabilities with summarized, auto-generated performance reports. Since all performance data of each candidate is easily accessible on the dashboard, your team and you can make data-driven decisions.

Coding assessments enable you to assess a candidate’s technical skills objectively. It helps recruiters zero in on the right talent from among a vast talent pool, quickly. Do your research wisely and choose the best coding assessment tool that fits all your needs.

Here is how HackerEarth’s coding interview tool makes it easy to recruit and hire top talent -

1. The platform boasts of a rich library of 13,000+ questions across 80+ programming skills that helps you to create highly specific and unique coding assessments, even with limited technical understanding
2. You can create various types of questions, including project-type questions that allow you to simulate on-the-job problems
3. The coding assessment tool easily integrates with popular ATSs like LinkedIn Talent Hub, Lever, Workable, JazzHR, and more
4. The automated invigilation and robust proctoring features during the coding tests report tab switching, prevent copy-pasting code, and also give you the ability to customize the stringency of proctoring, making sure that your assessments are completely fair
5. The coding test platform Provides actionable insights into a candidate’s skills with summarized, automated performance reports after each assessment