When hiring for technical roles, standard application reviews often fall short in revealing a candidate’s true capabilities. A resume might claim expertise in Python or React, but how well can they actually apply those skills to solve real problems? That’s where practical work simulations come in. Giving candidates a small, realistic project to complete offers a transparent and practical way to assess their abilities beyond theory.

Instead of asking abstract questions during an interview, provide a task that emulates daily responsibilities. For example, if you’re hiring a server-side engineer, ask them to build a simple API that handles user authentication and returns data from a mock database. For a UX developer, request a responsive landing page that integrates with a provided JSON endpoint. These tasks should take no more than 2–4 hours to complete, ensuring they’re fair and respectful.

The goal isn’t to set them up for failure but to observe how they analyze, architect, and найти программиста explain their workflow. Do they write well-documented, readable implementations? Do they consider edge cases or error handling? Are they able to follow instructions while still making thoughtful design choices? Their approach often tells you a deeper truth than standardized exams.

It’s also important to give context. Tell them what the project is meant to replicate—whether it’s a tool for internal operations or a tool for internal use. This helps them understand the purpose behind the task and encourages them to think like a professional, not just a exam candidate.

Candidates welcome this kind of assessment because it demonstrates your focus on real skills. It also creates equity for non-traditional candidates or those coming from alternative pathways. Someone who created a side project from scratch may outperform a candidate with an prestigious degree but no hands-on experience.

After reviewing submissions, engage in a code review dialogue. Ask them to explain their implementation. What did they intentionally deviate from? What would they revise with additional resources? This dialogue often exposes their learning agility, inquisitiveness, and growth orientation.

Testing with practical evaluations doesn’t just help you make smarter hires. It helps candidates prove their worth. It turns hiring from a guessing game into a meaningful exchange of skills and potential.