Is It Ethical to Assess a Candidate on a Full Working CRUD Web App Within 4 Hours?

Introduction

The debate over whether it is ethical to assess a software developer on a full working CRUD (Create, Read, Update, Delete) web application within a limited timeframe has been an ongoing topic in the recruitment industry. This article explores the ethical considerations and practical implications of such an evaluation method, backed by real-life experiences and expert insights.

Real-World Experience

From my own experience, similar tasks have been thrown at us during job interviews. For senior-level positions, the interviewers often put us through exam-like conditions on a heavily restricted computer. While I have not failed any of these tests, it is worth noting that I did not finish the given tasks either. The subsequent interviews focused on my problem-solving approach, time management, and what I prioritized over what I abandoned. These are indeed valid and important questions to ask a software engineer, as they reflect real-world challenges faced in any software development role.

Evaluation of Ethical Considerations

From an ethical standpoint, any employer willing to waste 4 hours of a candidate's time for a mere chance at an interview raises serious concerns. Such an attitude indicates a lack of respect for the candidate's time and reflects poorly on the employer. Additionally, it suggests the employer is either incompetent in setting a concise test or is not genuinely interested in the candidate's professional skills. The only other conclusion is that the employer might be trying to steal your code, which is highly unethical and fraudulent.

A More Sufficient Approach

To truly assess a software developer's skills, a more sophisticated and ethical evaluation method is necessary. If we were designing a test to identify the best Olympic high jumper, we would not set the bar at 1 meter. Such a low standard would not provide enough information to distinguish the best jumpers, as virtually anyone could clear it. Instead, we should set the bar high enough that only the most skilled jumpers could clear it. Similarly, in a programming interview, the skills should align with those required for the job. The test should be challenging and incomplete, allowing candidates to demonstrate their capabilities accurately along a continuum.

Why a Challenging Test is Necessary

A challenging and incomplete test is necessary for several reasons. Firstly, it ensures that the skills evaluated are relevant to the role. Secondly, it shows that the employer is committed to identifying the best candidates, not just those who can finish a task quickly. Moreover, such a test provides a more accurate assessment of a candidate's problem-solving abilities, time management, and decision-making skills.

Conclusion

In conclusion, while it is not inherently unethical to assess a candidate on a full working CRUD web app within a limited timeframe, it is important to do so in a way that respects the candidate's time and accurately evaluates their skills. Setting a high bar for such tasks is crucial in identifying the best candidates for the job, ensuring that the interview process is both ethical and effective. Employers who prioritize the quality of their evaluations over the quantity of tasks will ultimately find the best talent.