72: Technical Interview Fixes - April Wensel

Test & Code in Python - A podcast by Brian Okken

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Some typical technical interview practices can be harmful and get in the way of hiring great people. April Wensel offers advice to help fix the technical interview process.

She recommends:

  • hire for mindset and attitude
  • look for empathy and mentorship skills
  • allow candidates to show their strengths instead of hunting for weaknesses
  • have the candidate leave feeling good about themselves and your company, regardless of the hiring decision

Some topics discussed:

  • interview questions to bring out stories of skills and successes
  • stereotype threat
  • diversity
  • interview hazing
  • white boards
  • coding challenges
  • unconscious bias
  • emotional intelligence
  • myth of talent shortage
  • pair programming and collaboration during interviews
  • mirrortocracy
  • cultural add vs cultural fit
  • empathy
  • mentoring

This episode is important for anyone going into a technical interview, as a candidate, as a hiring manager, or as a member of an interview team.

Special Guest: April Wensel.

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Support Test & Code: Python Software Testing & Engineering

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