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points by bob1029 2 days ago | 0 comments

I've been considering very unconventional techniques for interviews. Like requiring candidates participate in a team based multiplayer game as part of the interview process. Completely out of left field without warning.

Assuming the applicant has zero experience with gaming, this would be an incredible opportunity to evaluate how well they cope with uncertainty under pressure and adapt to unusual conditions. If the applicant is already a grandmaster on the ladder, this becomes an excellent test of their humility and teamwork.

If the applicant gets shitty about the mere idea of playing a game as part of a "serious" job interview, I think I would have all the information I need to make the right decision. If you can't get a little bit flexible in this new world, I don't want you on my team anymore.

[–] probably_wrong 2 days ago

As someone who was job searching in the recent past I can tell you: these type of "alternative" interviews are perceived by job seekers as the circus master making their monkeys dance and, therefore, horribly demoralizing. Asking your candidate to do something completely unrelated to their job just because you think it reveals something about them comes off as flexing your power over someone who's trying to get their basic needs met in a sea of ghostings and AI rejections.

It has nothing to do with applicants discarding games as silly, BTW. Instead, I suggest you re-read your comment replacing online gaming with dancing and see if you'd be excited about such an interview. If your candidate is good enough to have choices they'll go to the one who respects them and their time.

[–] chris_engel 2 days ago

Full agree - the ops idea feels terrible

[–] pona-a 1 day ago

I need to genuinely start saving HN comments, sorting them into two folders: insightful and psychopathy.

[–] messe 2 days ago

If they're the type of tone deaf person who thought that the alternative interview was a good idea, how likely do you think it is that they'll take your advice?

[–] probably_wrong 1 day ago

I wouldn't go that far. I recognize that I came out in full swing mostly because job search is still a touchy topic (so many ghostings...), but where else are we to discuss our bad ideas if not here? If anything, the OP brought it up here instead of implementing it in their pipeline. ~~BMW~~ Some companies didn't even think that far.

[–] watwut 2 days ago

They are not unconventional, they were very conventional during boom. They did not lead to great working teams, they led to "mini me" teams. Teams that force employees to "work" overtime by playing games.

Because ultimately, you are not testing working abilities, you are testing whether "he a good partner for a game".

[–] Scea91 2 days ago

Why a multiplayer game when you can do the same test in a nicer environment at a local golf course?

[–] bob1029 2 days ago

It's expensive to move humans around. Sending bits across the internet is very cheap.

[–] marifjeren 2 days ago

Unhinged approach to interviewing