A coding test may be an interesting experience for a programmer. Most candidates wind up with the recruiting manager telling them that they’ll be in touch. These applicants think that the HR Department will let them know the how they did, but this is often not the case. So, what do you need to do if you want to get a job offer as a programmer before leaving the interview?
Most importantly, while undertaking a 2 hour coding test during an interview, you should not take more than the stipulated time for completing it. You will be required to solve several small problems, and each problem will be harder than the preceding one. If you are able to solve all the problems in time, it will offer a decent gauge of your abilities to the recruiters. If you can’t even solve the first problem in 2 hours, however, it is likely that you be shown the door.
Let’s check out a few points that will help a programmer to get a job offer from an on-the-spot technical hiring test:
1. Offer Multiple Solutions
2. Write Complete Documentation
Always go for full documentation. If you are diligent, detailed and professional about your work, HR management will take positive note. You should include the full Javadoc and comments for your code before you consider your solution complete. You may also write an entirely automatic unit test and check its coverage percentage. This could initially confuse the recruiters, who may think that you are facing problem with the test while you are typing furiously and adding HTML formatting to your Javadoc. You should keep in mind that the engineer who can undertake this task spontaneously is actually desired in a team.
3. Enhance the Test
At times, the management may create a test with minor problems. These problems, however, are created in such a manner that the candidate can spot them and fix the problem. Types of problems you may encounter include an erratic quotation for strings, deceptive variable names or other similar issues. You should examine all the codes offered in the test and not just those pieces you are asked to write about. If you can really delve into the whole test, you will surpass your competitors. Management looks for someone who can provide the same level of work for the company’s real product after he or she joins the programming team. As an engineer, you must tell your potential employer about any problems discovered in the test you are given. The HR Department may think that you could work wonders for the company’s product by going beyond your assigned area and making improvements wherever required.
If you pass technical muster, you won’t have to wait long for a job offer. Even if you don’t make it, don’t be discouraged. The reality is that there is a great demand for software engineers in the IT industry. Even if you don’t get an instant, on-the-spot job offer from one employer, you will be hired by another. If you implement these three important points, you will be able to succeed at most technical tests and take on your programming career with confidence.
