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AI Recruiting Software: 11 Best AI Hiring Tools

In today’s dynamic business landscape, organizations are constantly seeking ways to optimize their talent acquisition strategies to attract and retain top performers. The traditional way of hiring takes a lot of time because there are many manual tasks involved. Another problem is that when people judge candidates, it can be biased. These issues, along with others, make traditional hiring methods less effective.

Powered by cutting-edge machine learning algorithms, AI recruiting software is transforming the hiring process. These softwares are automating repetitive tasks, providing data-driven insights, and ensuring unbiased candidate selection.

In this article, we will delve uncover:

  • The transformative impact of AI recruiting software
  • How AI recruiting software can streamline your recruitment efforts

What is AI recruiting software?

AI recruiting software is an innovative technology designed to automate and optimize various aspects of the hiring process. It leverages machine learning algorithms and natural language processing to analyze and interpret vast amounts of data. Plus, you can automate the process of screening resumes, job descriptions, social media profiles, and more.

The benefits of AI recruiting software

AI recruiting software offers numerous benefits that can significantly improve your hiring process. It can automate tasks, analyze data, and provide insights. By leveraging AI, companies can identify the right candidates faster, reduce hiring costs, and improve overall talent acquisition outcomes. Let’s delve into some of its key advantages:

Benefits of AI recruiting software

1. Enhanced efficiency

Think about the usual way companies hire new people – it often involves doing the same things over and over, taking up a lot of time. AI recruiting software is like a smart assistant for recruiters, automating these repetitive tasks. This automation not only saves time but also enhances overall efficiency, allowing recruiters to allocate their efforts more effectively.

2. Improved candidate matching

By incorporating multifaceted criteria such as skills, experience, qualifications, and cultural fit, these AI solutions transcend traditional methods. This approach ensures a more nuanced and accurate selection process. This helps in bringing qualified candidates who align with the company culture.

3. Bias-free recruiting

Traditional recruitment processes are often susceptible to unconscious biases, which can lead to unfair and discriminatory practices. AI recruiting software minimizes the impact of bias by relying on objective data and algorithms. It assesses candidates solely based on their qualifications, skills, and experience, ensuring a fair and unbiased recruitment process. An AI-driven objective assessment process fosters a more diverse and inclusive workforce by eliminating biases.

4. Create a personalized candidate experience

AI-powered tools can personalize the hiring process for each candidate, enhancing their overall experience and improving the company’s brand reputation. They can analyze candidate data and preferences, enabling a tailored approach to communication and interactions throughout the hiring process.

Instead of generic emails and mass communications, candidates receive personalized messages, relevant information about the company and the role, and prompt responses to their questions or concerns.

Companies that prioritize personalized hiring experiences reap the rewards of an enhanced brand reputation. When candidates feel valued, respected, and well-informed throughout the hiring process, they are more likely to share positive experiences with their networks, leaving a favorable impression of the company.

Also, read: 6 Must Track Candidate Experience Metrics to Hire Better

How does AI hiring tool works?

AI hiring tool operates using a systematic approach that incorporates machine learning and natural language processing. Recruiters use AI in recruitment for planning, analyzing, and organizing redundant tasks. Each industry-specific softwares might work differently but we can get an overview of how it works. Here’s a step-by-step breakdown:

Step 1: Resume parsing

It begins by parsing resumes to extract relevant data such as contact information, skills, education, and work history. An AI-driven recruiting platform uses natural language processing algorithms to read and interpret resumes efficiently.

Step 2: Candidate screening

Once the resumes are parsed, the software analyzes them based on predefined criteria and keywords. It compares the candidates’ qualifications and skills with the job requirements, filtering out those who do not meet the specified criteria.

Step 3: Candidate ranking

After the initial screening, AI recruiting software ranks the candidates based on their suitability for the position. The ranking is determined by comparing their skills, experience, and qualifications against those of the ideal candidate.

Step 4: Interview scheduling

Using automated scheduling functionalities, AI recruiting software schedules interviews with the shortlisted candidates. It considers the availability of both the candidate and the interviewer, eliminating the need for endless email threads and time-consuming coordination.

Step 5: Performance analysis

AI hiring tool tracks and analyzes the performance of hired candidates over time. It assesses the quality of their work, their retention rates, and their overall fit within the organization. This feedback loop helps improve the software’s algorithms and ensures continuous optimization.

Also, read: How AI is Transforming the Talent Acquisition Process in Tech?

11 Best AI Recruiting Software to Use in 2025

If you’re considering adopting AI hiring tool, it might be daunting at first. It can feel overwhelming with so many options out there, each claiming to be the best. This makes choosing the right tool trickier. That’s why, we’ve put together a list of the top 10 AI recruiting softwares:

Different AI recruiting tools you can use and streamline your hiring process

1. HackerEarth

HackerEarth is an end-to-end tech hiring platform, with products that span the entire gamut of tech recruiting needs. It helps with:

  • sourcing global tech talent via Hackathons,
  • assessing and shortlisting candidates via its Assessment and FaceCode platforms
  • upskilling and bridging skill gaps via its Learning and Development platform

HackerEarth Assessments

HackerEarth Assessments is an AI-driven coding test platform where tech recruiters can create custom, role-based take home assessments for screening candidates. It has a library of over 20,000 questions, which can be used to create coding assessments for 18+ roles and 900+ skills. The test creation process takes about 5 minutes, and the platform has built-in proctoring features which ensure that every test is plagiarism free.

Once the candidate has submitted their test, it is automatically evaluated and benchmarked by the Assessments tool.

Next, a report is generated, which evaluates the candidate’s performance compared to others in the same category. This helps TA teams and engineering managers shortlist candidates accurately, and choose only the ones who show the requisite skills.

FaceCode

The shortlisted candidates are then moved to the interview round which can be conducted using FaceCode.

With FaceCode’s collaborative code editor, you can:

  • see candidates coding in real time
  • provide them with feedback and guidance as they work through problems

It’s like having a pair programming session with each candidate, giving a deeper understanding of their problem-solving skills and coding abilities. Additionally, FaceCode’s built-in question library offers a wide range of coding challenges, from basic algorithms to complex data structures. This ensures that you can assess candidates’ skills across a variety of domains, and find the perfect fit for your open positions.

Furthermore, FaceCode’s HD video chat and diagram board allow you to connect with candidates on a personal level and delve deeper into their thought process. It’s like having a face-to-face interview, but without the hassle of scheduling and logistics. All in all, FaceCode’s AI-powered insights help you make informed hiring decisions. The interview recordings and transcripts allow you to revisit key moments at any time and ensure you never miss a crucial detail.

HackerEarth’s Learning and Development

Lastly, HackerEarth’s Learning and Development platform uses AI-driven curated learning paths to help tech teams upskill and bridge existing skill gaps via continuous learning and assessments.

2. Manatal

Manatal is an AI-powered hiring tool that automates and streamlines the entire hiring process, from sourcing and screening to onboarding and engagement. Its AI capabilities enable companies to identify the best-fit candidates, automate repetitive tasks, and make informed hiring decisions. With Manatal, you can ditch the endless piles of resumes and spend your time on what matters most – talking to qualified candidates. Its AI-powered system scans through thousands of resumes and social media profiles to find the best fit for your open positions. It’s like having a superpowered search engine that knows exactly what you’re looking for.

3. Workable

Workable is a popular recruitment management system (RMS) that seamlessly integrates AI to enhance its functionality. Its AI-powered features include candidate ranking, resume parsing, and interview scheduling, making the hiring process more efficient and effective. It helps you filter out the noise, using smart algorithms to identify the most qualified candidates for your needs. It’s like having a built-in screening system that saves you hours of manual resume review.

4. Humanly

At the heart of Humanly is its intelligent chatbot, your 24/7 customer support companion. This AI-powered assistant understands and responds to customer queries promptly and effectively, offering real-time assistance and resolving issues in a jiffy. No more endless menus or frustrating hold times – Humanly puts your customers first. Powered by cutting-edge natural language processing and machine learning, it effortlessly integrates with your existing systems to deliver personalized and efficient customer experiences.

5. Fetcher

Fetcher is like having a personal sourcing assistant at your fingertips. No more wading through endless databases or spending hours crafting generic outreach messages. Fetcher does all the heavy lifting, delivering you curated batches of diverse, top-notch candidates who align perfectly with your job requirements. Hence, you are left with more time to engage with candidates, build relationships, and create a positive candidate experience. Fetcher’s cost-effective solution puts the power of talent sourcing back into your hands, giving you complete control over your recruitment budget.

6. Eightfold AI

Imagine having a personal hiring assistant who can match candidates to open roles with uncanny precision, and encourage the candidates to to apply for those roles. That’s the power of AI-powered recruitment software like Eightfold. With Eightfold’s AI, candidates can see a clear picture of their potential fit within an organization. They can see which roles align with their skills and experience, and why they’re a good match for those roles.

Eightfold’s AI goes beyond just matching resumes to job descriptions. It delves deeper into a candidate’s skillset, experience, and career aspirations to identify hidden gems who might not be found through traditional keyword searches. It’s like having a superpowered resume scanner that can read between the lines and uncover the true potential of each candidate.

7. LinkedIn Recruiter

Imagine having a direct line to the most qualified candidates in your industry, without having to spend hours sifting through endless resumes. That’s the magic of LinkedIn Recruiter, a powerful recruitment tool that turns the tables and puts you in the driver’s seat of the hiring process. With LinkedIn Recruiter, you’re not just waiting for candidates to apply; you’re actively seeking them out, using advanced search filters and smart algorithms to uncover the hidden gems of the talent pool. It’s like having a built-in talent radar that guides you straight to the best people for your open positions.

Additionally, LinkedIn Recruiter provides you with a wealth of information about each candidate, giving you a deeper understanding of their skills, experience, and career aspirations. You can see their LinkedIn profiles, view their work history, and even read their recommendations. It’s like having a personal talent profiler who can provide you with insights that go beyond a mere resume.

8. Eva.ai

Imagine having a personal hiring assistant who can automate tasks, find the best candidates, and even schedule interviews. That’s the magic of Eva AI. It’s like having your own personal HR department, but without the hefty price tag. Eva AI uses conversational AI to streamline the hiring process, taking care of repetitive tasks like sourcing candidates, scheduling interviews, and sending reminders. It’s like having a team of tireless assistants working behind the scenes, freeing up your time to focus on the real human connection of interviewing. In simple words, Eva AI’s AI-powered algorithms can scan through thousands of resumes and social media profiles to find the best fit for your open positions. It’s like having a built-in resume screening system that saves you hours of manual review.

9. Findem

Imagine having a hiring superpower that lets you see beyond resumes and uncover the hidden gems of the talent pool. That’s Findem, an AI-powered talent acquisition platform that’s transforming the way businesses hire. With its vast data network and sophisticated algorithms, Findem’s AI goes beyond traditional keyword searches to identify candidates based on their unique attributes and experiences. It’s like having a built-in talent radar that can pinpoint the perfect match for your open positions, even if they’re not actively looking for a job.

But that’s not all. Findem doesn’t just find candidates. It also provides insights into their skills, experience, and career aspirations, helping you make informed hiring decisions. It’s like having a personal talent profiler who gives you a detailed understanding of each candidate’s potential.

10. HumanTelligence

With Humantelligence, you can say goodbye to guesswork and subjectivity in hiring. Its AI-powered system analyzes candidates’ behaviors and experiences to identify those who will thrive within your unique company culture. It’s like having a built-in cultural compatibility scanner that helps you find the perfect fit for your team. Humantelligence doesn’t just stop at finding the right people; it also helps you accelerate onboarding and ensure diversity of thought. Its insights and tools help you create a smooth transition for new hires and foster an inclusive environment where everyone feels valued and respected.

It’s like having a cultural integration specialist who sets your team up for success. So, if you’re ready to ditch the traditional hiring hassles and build a team that’s not just skilled but also culturally aligned, give Humantelligence a try. It’s like having a secret weapon that turns hiring from a gamble into a strategic advantage.

11. HiredScore

Imagine having a hiring assistant who can help you find the best candidates, keep your team unbiased, and even optimize your job postings for inclusivity. That’s the power of HiredScore, an AI-powered recruitment platform that’s revolutionizing the way businesses hire. With HiredScore, you can say goodbye to guesswork and biases in hiring. Its sophisticated AI algorithms analyze thousands of data points to identify candidates who are not just qualified but also a good fit for your company culture. It’s like having a built-in bias detector that helps you make informed hiring decisions based on objective criteria.

Additionally, HiredScore’s D&I analytics provide valuable insights into your hiring process, helping you identify and address any potential biases. This data-driven approach ensures that you’re attracting and hiring the best talent, regardless of background or identity. It’s like having a diversity and inclusion consultant who helps you create a fair and equitable hiring process that promotes a culture of belonging for all.

Selecting the Right AI Recruiting Software for Your Needs

With so many AI recruiting software solutions available, choosing the right one for your organization can be a daunting task. Here are some factors to consider when making your decision:

Company size and hiring volume

Consider the size of your company and the volume of your hiring needs. Some AI recruiting software solutions are designed for small businesses with limited hiring needs, while others are better suited for large enterprises with high-volume hiring.

When selecting AI recruiting software, it’s important to assess the scale of your company and the magnitude of your hiring requirements. Tailored solutions exist to accommodate the distinct needs of small businesses with limited hiring demands as well as large enterprises handling high-volume recruitment. AI tools designed for smaller enterprises often emphasize user-friendly interfaces, cost-effectiveness, and scalability, providing essential features without unnecessary complexity. On the other hand, solutions geared towards large enterprises are equipped with robust capabilities to handle extensive data sets, complex workflows, and diverse talent pools.

Industry and target candidates

Consider the industry you operate in and the type of candidates you are trying to attract. Some AI recruiting software solutions are specialized for specific industries or types of roles. Industry-specific AI recruiting software is designed to address the unique challenges and requirements of particular industries.

For instance, healthcare-focused AI recruiters may incorporate advanced skills matching algorithms that consider specialized certifications and clinical experience. Specialized AI recruiters can personalize outreach messages and engagement strategies to resonate with specific candidate pools, considering their industry knowledge, professional aspirations, and career goals.

Budget

Consider your budget and the pricing structure of different AI recruiting software solutions. For instance, a mid-sized enterprise aiming to enhance its talent acquisition strategy. The focus here would be on identifying a solution that balances between advanced features and budgetary constraints. A robust yet cost-effective AI platform, such as “SmartRecruit,” could be a prudent choice. Conversely, a larger corporation with substantial hiring needs might lean towards a more comprehensive solution like “Workday Recruiting,” which seamlessly integrates AI capabilities with its HR suite.

Also, read: 6 Steps to Create a Detailed Recruiting Budget (+ Free Template)

Ready to revolutionize your hiring process?

AI recruiting software is transforming the way organizations approach talent acquisition. Its automation capabilities, improved candidate matching, and unbiased selection processes make it an indispensable tool for modern recruiters. By leveraging AI recruiting software, you can save time, improve efficiency, and ultimately find the perfect candidates for your organization.

Beyond initial candidate screening, AI recruiting tools can continuously learn from hiring patterns, refining their algorithms to improve candidate matching over time. The utilization of chatbots and virtual assistants powered by AI streamlines communication with candidates, providing timely updates and feedback, fostering a positive candidate experience. In essence, AI recruiting software is a dynamic solution that not only optimizes resource allocation but also enhances the overall effectiveness of talent acquisition strategies.

As AI technology continues to advance, we can expect even more sophisticated and powerful AI-powered recruiting tools to emerge, further transforming the recruitment landscape. Organizations that embrace AI recruiting software will gain a significant competitive advantage in attracting and retaining the best talent, ensuring they have the right people in place to drive innovation, growth, and success in the years to come.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q.1. How AI can be used in recruitment?

AI analyzes job descriptions and resumes, engages with candidates to answer their queries during the hiring process, automates interview scheduling, evaluates candidate’s skills and even streamlines the onboarding process.

HackerEarth uses AI to evaluate tech candidate’s skills through coding assessment and automates interview scheduling and evaluates the code in real-time.

Q.2. Will AI replace recruiters?

No, AI cannot replace recruiters. It can automate certain aspects of the recruitment process which simply the manual efforts of recruiters and hiring managers. Recruiters can understand the hu8msan behavior and emotions, take complex hiring decisions, build relations with candidates and adjust their hiring approach based on the predictions — AI cannot do all of this.

7 New HackerEarth Assessments Product Updates You Should Know About

This year, as the industry went through a hiring freeze, we at HackerEarth took the time to elevate our product lineup so that recruiters are better equipped to face the post-freeze challenges and expectations.So, we rolled out some out-of-the-ordinary product features aimed at making tech hiring more easier, better, and a stress-free experience (who wants more of that eh?).Some of these ideas came from our product ambassadors, some from internal dialogues within the team— and at every stage we focused on creating feature updates that would help tech recruiting teams across the globe.So without further ado, let’s dive right in!

7 product HackerEarth Assessments features to revitalize tech interviews

1. Role-based test creation process

HackerEarth Assessments has always been known for its easy-to-use test creation flow, but we have now gone one-step further and made the process role-based. So, you can choose the role you want to assess for from a drop down menu, and our AI-powered system will automatically generate a template for you. You can further customize the generated assessment for your exact needs.

The best part? The whole process of test creation can be cut down to 5 minutes or less!

We have 20 pre-defined roles available now, and we intend to add more to the stack. This includes high-demand roles like Full stack- Django/React, Full stack- Django/Angular, Full stack- Django/Spring/ React, Full stack- Django/Spring/Angular, Data engineer, and DevOps engineer.

New role-based assessments at Hackerearth

2. AI-based and keyword based evaluation of programming and subjective questions

We have enhanced our auto-evaluation engine to include AI-based and keyword-based evaluation of programing and subjective questions. Let’s break this down further:
  • The AI-based evaluation uses ChatGPT and proprietary tools to evaluate long-form answers. It is best-suited for Agile/ Scrum and other process roles — making it easier to evaluate the assessments for these roles.
  • The new keyword-based subjective evaluation method will auto-evaluate a candidate's answer by letting admins define keywords that should appear in the answer. This is especially useful for evaluating tests related to data analytics where MS Excel is used, or assessments that use mathematical/numerical, or fill in the blanks kind of questions.

3. Smart Browser

SmartBrowser, a HackerEarth Assessments feature enables a plagiarism-free coding assessment environment

Recruiters and engineering leaders rightfully worry about the plagiarism that might occur when candidates work on take-home coding assessments.

Maybe they open multiple tabs during the test, screen share and record the test window, or they might run the test window within a virtual machine — possibilities of plagiarism are endless. And that’s why, today when AI tools have become rampant, it has become easier to crack coding assessments.To keep the sanctity of our assessments intact, HackerEarth’s product team came up with a solution called Smart Browser. This is a desktop application which recruiters can opt for when they want to ensure strict proctoring during assessments.Smart Bowser offers additional proctoring settings such as:
  • Disabling copy-pasting
  • Restricting candidates to full-screen mode
  • Restricting candidates from capturing screenshots, recording, or screen sharing the test window
  • Logging out on leaving the test interface so that the candidates cannot exit the test environment and use another tool for test completion

Also, read: HackerEarth Assessments + The SmartBrowser: Formula for Bulletproof Tech Hiring

4. Candidate reporting

Reports provide insights on maintainability, reliability, security, cyclomatic complexity, code quality, and benchmarking to make data-driven recruiting decisions.With the help of a detailed candidate report, you'll be able to make a quick shortlisting decision while providing insights on:
  • the candidate's performance based on the assessment they submitted
  • how or where the candidate would rank against the larger developer community
Overall, these insights will help you get real-time data and the quality of your talent pool.You can see candidate insights based on the date range

5. Skill tests analytics graph

This feature allows recruiting teams to gain a holistic overview of a candidates’ skill set via a spider graph that compares the candidate’s performance against the test average.You can also use this feature to compare the performance of two or more candidates, and make an accurate selection based on their individual skill levels.This is how the HackerEarth Assessments compares the candidate’s performance against the test average

6. Improved candidate experience

While making these feature changes, we were also cognizant of how these changes would affect a candidate taking these tests. Candidate experience has been an important factor guiding our product philosophy and we have made advancements on that front including.
  • Introducing multiple code snippets: Our IDE comes integrated with multiple code snippets, which can be used for real-time code tests and pair programming to check a candidate’s coding skills on-the-go.
  • ChatGPT integration: We have also worked on a ChatGPT integration for a smoother coding experience. Just like the Smart Browser, this too is an optional feature for those recruiting teams who would like to allow their candidates access to ChatGPT during the assessments.

Also, read: How Does HackerEarth Combat the Use of ChatGPT and Other LLMS in Tech Hiring Assessments?

7. Improved D&I

The Assessments platform has a built-in option for hiding Personal Identifiable Information (PII) so that candidates can sign in using a pseudonym and take assessments. The recruiting team will only be able to see the candidate’s test submission and not their race, gender, or ethnicity; thereby bringing down the chances of unconscious bias hampering the selection process.

In the same vein, we have introduced a feature called R-rated question flagging. This feature highlights offensive words in the question or problem statements used for creating assessments.

Let’s say you were creating your own custom problem statement. Our system would flag any potential instances of sexist, racist, or potentially offensive language and help you remove them before adding the question to the assessment and making it public.

R-rated question flagging helps eliminate gender-based tone and improves the diversity and inclusion efforts.

And that’s all. If any of these product advancements ignited a spark of curiosity in you, you can ask for a demo or try out HackerEarth platform for a free 14-day trial!

How Do You Get Senior Engineers to Take Coding Assessments

I recently came across this post on Reddit, and though it was posted about 3 years ago, it wonderfully encapsulates every senior engineer’s aversion towards technical assessments. This well-known aversion always comes up in conversations with engineering leads and tech recruiters, and someone invariably asks — how do senior hires react to the coding tests on your platform?There are two perspectives at play here.
  • First, there is the business need to hire developers with proven skill, and a coding test is a proven way of assessing skills.
  • Second, is a senior engineer’s desire to be valued for the portfolio they have built, and the skills already at display.
As the Redditor posted – engineers with years of project experience that is publicly available on platforms like GitHub and StackOverflow do not take easily to being assessed, and then ghosted.A Reddit post on senior engineers

Image Source

So, how does one reach a middle ground in this case? Before diving into the solutions, let’s understand the reasons why senior engineers don’t want to take coding assessments.

Reasons why senior engineers are reluctant about taking coding assessment tests

5 Reasons Why senior engineers don

Reason #1: Lack of trust in coding assessments

Senior engineers feel that assessment tests don't accurately reflect their practical skills and knowledge gained over the years. In fact, they feel that the topics covered in assessment tests are too basic or perhaps not relevant to their specialization.

Reason #2: It doesn’t tackle real-world problems

Forums like Quora are great places to understand the developer perspective on take-home assessments. A Quora user shared that these interviews don't represent the real-world problems, highlighting that:

In A Quora post, the responder shares that senior candidates feel that assessments do not highlight real-world problemsAccording to this Quora user, coding interviews work well for senior engineers who cram the interview instead of solving real-world problems.

Reason #3: They experience fear of failure

Imagine a senior engineer who takes the coding assessment but fails to get a good score. Oh the shame!Senior developers feel the pressure to not only ace these tests, but also get a grand score as they are supposed to be experts in their role. Failing in the coding assessment might put their reputation at stake, and thus the reluctance.

Reason #4: They have time constraints

Senior engineers often have busy schedules. That's why they feel that taking time out for an assessment that takes hours to complete and which isn’t a guarantee of a job offer, could hinder their productivity and cause delays during their work hours.

Reason #5: They feel assessments are biased

Senior engineers often feel that tech assessments are biased. Good developers are excellent problem solvers, and that is an ability that is hard to detect in a hour-long test. Most assessments can be solved easily with online guides and answers. It becomes easy for senior hires to fool a badly designed test. This leads them to believing that tech assessments overall are inaccurate and biased.
Also, read: Tips to Remove Unintended Bias in the Assessment Process

How to Get Senior Engineers to Take Coding Assessment Tests

Now you know the real reason why senior engineers are unwilling to take coding assessments. The conundrum now is – as a company, how do you build a tech assessment process that serves your needs, as well as appeals to senior hires.

It goes without saying that this step needs some compromises on both fronts. And, instead of hoping for a singular solution, it would be better to think of customized approaches that fit in with your specific business needs.

However, there are some surefire ways to help senior hires break their mental barriers about tech assessments. Let’s look at them below.

How Tech Recruiters Can Help Senior Engineers Take Coding Assessment Tests

Addressing concerns and misconceptions

There might be senior engineers who believe coding assessments can only assess the developer’s weaknesses. If developers have similar concerns, show them how coding assessments at your organization work. Understand their concerns and explain to them how taking this assessment test will help in:
  • Accurately assessing their knowledge
  • Add value to the entire tech hiring process
For example, recruiters and hiring managers who use HackerEarth Assessments in their workflow use real-life job simulations to create take-home assessments that more accurately reflect a developer’s strengths. This helps in making the hiring process more realistic and sets the right expectations for both the developer and the hiring team.

This is how HackerEarth Assessments work

Tailoring coding assessments for senior engineers

Senior engineers want more personalized and targeted coding assessments. They don’t want to take assessments with basic programming questions relevant to junior roles.So, create advanced coding assessments that align with the job role you’re hiring them for—matching their level of expertise.To do this, look at advanced coding questions that you can use in the assessments. But that’s where most recruiters and hiring managers fail.A simple way to do this is to:
  • First, ask your existing senior engineers about the kind of questions they’d want to see in the assessment
  • Then use coding assessment platforms like HackerEarth Assessments to create a customized assessment.

Also, watch: How to Add Programming Questions to HackerEarth Assessments?

Will you create tech assessments that engineers absolutely love? Maybe not.

But that’s not entirely a bad thing. Let’s start with accepting that no one likes taking tests and when your livelihood depends on it, these tests can easily become a source of anxiety and stress.So, let’s not worry about creating tests that engineers will fall in love with. Let’s look at creating assessments that are accurate and which a senior developer will trust enough to not ghost you midway during the hiring cycle.Sidenote: If you are looking to create a personalized and highly-specific coding assessment for senior engineers based on the job role you’re hiring for, try HackerEarth Assessments. Not to brag, but we’ve been doing this for 10+ years.

AI In Recruitment: The Good, The Bad, The Ugly

Artificial Intelligence (AI) has permeated virtually every industry, transforming operations and interactions. The tech recruitment sector is no exception, and AI’s influence shapes the hiring processes in revolutionary ways. From leveraging AI-powered chatbots for preliminary candidate screenings to deploying machine learning algorithms for efficient resume parsing, AI leaves an indelible mark on tech hiring practices.

Yet, amidst these promising advancements, we must acknowledge the other side of the coin: AI’s potential malpractices, including the likelihood of cheating on assessments, issues around data privacy, and the risk of bias against minority groups.

The dark side of AI in tech recruitment

Negative impact of AI

The introduction of AI in recruitment, while presenting significant opportunities, also brings with it certain drawbacks and vulnerabilities. Sophisticated technologies could enable candidates to cheat on assessments, misrepresent abilities and potential hiring mistakes. This could lead to hiring candidates with falsifying skills or qualifications, which can cause a series of negative effects like:

  • Reduced work quality: The work output might be sub-par if a candidate doesn’t genuinely possess the abilities they claimed to have.
  • Team disruptions: Other team members may have to pick up the slack, leading to resentment and decreased morale.
  • Rehiring costs: You might have to let go of such hires, resulting in additional costs for replacement.

Data privacy is another critical concern

Your company could be left exposed to significant risks if your AI recruiting software is not robust enough to protect sensitive employee information. The implications for an organization with insufficient data security could be severe such as:

  • Reputational damage: Breaches of sensitive employee data can damage your company’s reputation, making it harder to attract clients and talented employees in the future.
  • Legal consequences: Depending on the jurisdiction, you could face legal penalties, including hefty fines, for failing to protect sensitive data adequately.
  • Loss of trust: A data breach could undermine employee trust in your organization, leading to decreased morale and productivity.
  • Financial costs: Besides potential legal penalties, companies could also face direct financial losses from a data breach, including the costs of investigation, recovery, and measures to prevent future breaches.
  • Operational disruption: Depending on the extent of the breach, normal business operations could be disrupted, causing additional financial losses and damage to the organization’s reputation.

Let’s talk about the potential for bias in AI recruiting software

Perhaps the most critical issue of all is the potential for unconscious bias. The potential for bias in AI recruiting software stems from the fact that these systems learn from the data they are trained on. If the training data contains biases – for example, if it reflects a history of preferentially hiring individuals of a certain age, gender, or ethnicity – the AI system can learn and replicate these biases.

Even with unbiased data, if the AI’s algorithms are not designed to account for bias, they can inadvertently create it. For instance, a hiring algorithm that prioritizes candidates with more years of experience may inadvertently discriminate against younger candidates or those who have taken career breaks, such as for child-rearing or health reasons.

This replication and possible amplification of human prejudices can result in discriminatory hiring practices. If your organization’s AI-enabled hiring system is found to be biased, you could face legal action, fines, and penalties. Diversity is proven to enhance creativity, problem-solving, and decision-making. In contrast, bias in hiring can lead to a homogenous workforce, so its absence would likely result in a less innovative and less competitive organization.

Also read: What We Learnt From Target’s Diversity And Inclusion Strategy

When used correctly, AI in recruitment can take your hiring to the next level

How to use AI during hiring freeze

How do you evaluate the appropriateness of using AI in hiring for your organization? Here are some strategies for navigating the AI revolution in HR. These steps include building support for AI adoption, identifying HR functions that can be integrated with AI, avoiding potential pitfalls of AI use in HR, collaborating with IT leaders, and so on.

Despite certain challenges, AI can significantly enhance tech recruitment processes when used effectively. AI-based recruitment tools can automate many manual recruiting tasks, such as resume screening and interview scheduling, freeing up time for recruiters to focus on more complex tasks. Furthermore, AI can improve the candidate’s experience by providing quick responses and personalized communications. The outcome is a more efficient, candidate-friendly process, which could lead to higher-quality hires.

Let’s look at several transformational possibilities chatbots can bring to human capital management for candidates and hiring teams. This includes automation and simplifying various tasks across domains such as recruiting, onboarding, core HR, absence management, benefits, performance management, and employee self-service resulting in the following:

For recruiters:

  • Improved efficiency and productivity: Chatbots can handle routine tasks like responding to common inquiries or arranging interviews. Thereby, providing you with more time to concentrate on tasks of strategic importance.
  • Enhanced candidate experience: With their ability to provide immediate responses, chatbots can make the application process more engaging and user-friendly.
  • Data and insights: Chatbots can collect and analyze data from your interactions with candidates. And provide valuable insights into candidate preferences and behavior.
  • Improved compliance: By consistently following predefined rules and guidelines, chatbots can help ensure that hiring processes are fair and compliant with relevant laws and regulations.
  • Cost saving: By automating routine tasks for recruiters, chatbots can help reduce the labor costs associated with hiring.

Also read: 5 Steps To Create A Remote-First Candidate Experience In Recruitment

How FaceCode Can Help Improve Your Candidate Experience | AI in recruitment

For candidates:

Additionally, candidates can leverage these AI-powered chatbots in a dialog flow manner to carry out various tasks. These tasks include the following:

  • Personalized greetings: By using a candidate’s name and other personal information, chatbots can create a friendly, personalized experience.
  • Job search: They can help candidates search for jobs based on specific criteria.
  • Create a candidate profile: These AI-powered chatbots can guide candidates through the process of creating a profile. Thus, making it easier for them to apply for jobs.
  • Upload resume: Chatbots can instruct candidates on uploading their resume, eliminating potential confusion.
  • Apply for a job: They can streamline the application process, making it easier and faster for candidates to apply for jobs.
  • Check application status: Chatbots can provide real-time updates on a candidate’s application status.
  • Schedule interviews: They can match candidate and interviewer availability to schedule interviews, simplifying the process.

For hiring managers:

These can also be utilized by your tech hiring teams for various purposes, such as:

  • Create requisition: Chatbots can guide hiring managers through the process of creating a job requisition.
  • Create offers: They can assist in generating job offers, ensuring all necessary information is included.
  • Access requisition and offers: Using chatbots can provide hiring managers with easy access to job requisitions and offers.
  • Check on onboarding tasks: Chatbots can help track onboarding tasks, ensuring nothing is missed.

Other AI recruiting technologies can also enhance the hiring process for candidates and hiring teams in the following ways:

For candidates:

  1. Tailor-made resumes and cover letters using generative AI: Generative AI can help candidates create custom resumes and cover letters, increasing their chances of standing out.
  2. Simplifying the application process: AI-powered recruiting tools can simplify the application process, allowing candidates to apply for jobs with just a few clicks.
  3. Provide similar job recommendations: AI can analyze candidates’ skills, experiences, and preferences to recommend similar jobs they might be interested in.

For recruiters:

  • Find the best candidate: AI algorithms can analyze large amounts of data to help you identify the candidates most likely to succeed in a given role.
  • Extract key skills from candidate job applications: Save a significant amount of time and effort by using AI-based recruiting software to quickly analyze job applications to identify key skills, thereby, speeding up the screening process.
  • Take feedback from rejected candidates & share similar job recommendations: AI can collect feedback from rejected candidates for you to improve future hiring processes and recommend other suitable roles to the candidate.

These enhancements not only streamline the hiring process but also improve the quality of hires, reduce hiring biases, and improve the experience for everyone involved. The use of AI in hiring can indeed take it to the next level.

Where is AI in recruitment headed?

AI can dramatically reshape the recruitment landscape with the following key advancements:

1. Blockchain-based background verification:

Blockchain technology, renowned for its secure, transparent, and immutable nature, can revolutionize background checks. This process which can take anywhere from between a day to several weeks today for a single recruiter to do can be completed within a few clicks resulting in:

  • Streamlined screening process: Blockchain can store, manage, and share candidates’ credentials and work histories. Thereby speeding up the verification and screening process. This approach eliminates the need for manual background checks. And leads to freeing up a good amount of time for you to focus on more important tasks.
  • Enhanced trust and transparency: With blockchain, candidates, and employers can trust the validity of the information shared due to the nature of the technology. The cryptographic protection of blockchain ensures the data is tamper-proof, and decentralization provides transparency.
  • Improved data accuracy and reliability: Since the blockchain ledger is immutable, it enhances the accuracy and reliability of the data stored. This can minimize the risks associated with false information on candidates’ resumes.
  • Faster onboarding: A swift and reliable verification process means candidates can be onboarded more quickly. Thereby, improving the candidate experience and reducing the time-to-hire.
  • Expanded talent pool: With blockchain, it’s easier and quicker to verify the credentials of candidates globally, thereby widening the potential talent pool.

2. Immersive experiences using virtual reality (VR):

VR can provide immersive experiences that enhance various aspects of the tech recruitment process:

  • Interactive job previews: VR can allow potential candidates to virtually “experience” a day i.e., life at your company. This provides a more accurate and engaging job preview than traditional job descriptions.
  • Virtual interviews and assessments: You can use VR to conduct virtual interviews or assessments. You can also evaluate candidates in a more interactive and immersive setting. This can be particularly useful for roles that require specific spatial or technical skills.
  • Virtual onboarding programs: New hires can take a virtual tour of the office, meet their colleagues, and get acquainted with their tasks, all before their first day. This can significantly enhance the onboarding experience and help new hires feel more prepared.
  • Immersive learning experiences: VR can provide realistic, immersive learning experiences for job-specific training or to enhance soft skills. These could be used during the recruitment process or for ongoing employee development.

Also read: 6 Strategies To Enhance Candidate Engagement In Tech Hiring (+ 3 Unique Examples)

AI + Recruiters: It’s all about the balance!

To summarize, AI in recruitment is a double-edged sword, carrying both promise and potential problems. The key lies in how recruiters use this technology, leveraging its benefits while vigilantly managing its risks. AI isn’t likely to replace recruiters or HR teams in the near future. Instead, you should leverage this tool to positively impact the entire hiring lifecycle.

With the right balance and careful management, AI can streamline hiring processes. It can create better candidate experiences, and ultimately lead to better recruitment decisions. Recruiters should continually experiment with and explore generative AI. To devise creative solutions, resulting in more successful hiring and the perfect fit for every open role.

9 Reasons Why HackerEarth Is A Good Alternative To Codility

Imagine hiring a candidate that is the perfect fit for your company. With unbeatable technical skills, impressive communication skills, and a good team player.

Who doesn’t want that?

But judging a candidate’s personality and capabilities is tough, especially in tech hiring. You need a platform that helps you test relevant skills in real time.

HackerEarth and Codility are well-known platforms that tech companies swear by. You can evaluate applicants’ technological aptitudes effectively throughout the interview process and employment. These platforms include various tools and services that allow companies to develop coding challenges, assessments, and interviews to assess individuals’ coding skills.

Both these companies are neck-to-neck when it comes to popularity. In fact, many hiring managers and recruiters frequently struggle to decide between them. Despite certain parallels in their services, they are distinct due to several factors.

In this article, let’s compare the features, costs, user interfaces, and other aspects of Codility’s alternative, HackerEarth and Codility itself. By the end of this article, the platform that best meets your recruitment needs will be clear to you.

HackerEarth

HackerEarth is a top platform offering technical recruiting solutions for businesses of all sizes. Recruiters and hiring managers can easily create coding challenges and assessments with HackerEarth. The platform provides a vast library of 17,000+ questions across 900+ skills that can be tailored to your organization’s unique needs.

Additionally, HackerEarth is also known for having the best end-to-end managed hackathons platform and its intelligent coding interview tool, FaceCode. You may utilize the platform to make data-driven recruiting decisions by getting real-time insights into candidates’ performance through advanced analytics and machine learning algorithms.

Codility

Codility’s offerings are quite similar to that of HackerEarth. They also aim to help tech companies make better hiring decisions. Its platform provides skill-based programming tests to evaluate developers accurately. It provides you with an expansive library of 90+ technologies and allows you to create custom tests.

Why should companies choose HackerEarth over Codility?

Looking For A Codility Alternative? End Your Search With HackerEarth

The choice between HackerEarth and Codility ultimately comes down to the objectives and hiring demands of your organization. Both platforms include various features and tools that allow recruiters and hiring managers to gauge and evaluate candidates’ technical skills.

However, if you want a versatile tech hiring platform, go for HackerEarth, which is a superior alternative to Codility.

It’s a user-friendly platform with a question bank of more than 17,000+ coding-related questions. This makes it simple to create tests for recruiting a majority of roles from junior to senior tech employees. Recruiters can create customized tests that meet their unique criteria with minimal technical know-how. Additionally, HackerEarth’s assessment platform provides real-time reporting and performance insights.

On the other hand, Codility also offers similar features but with some limitations. Let’s dive in and see what sets these two platforms apart.

HackerEarth Vs Codility

1. Features and functionality

HackerEarth: HackerEarth helps you build the best tech teams, providing a full package from attracting the right talent to upskilling the current workforce. Moreover, HackerEarth understands that it might be difficult for a recruiter to do it all. That’s why we introduced easy navigation, a pre-built library, and highly customizable assessments that match specific requirements. Moreover, our customer support is known to be excellent.

Which helps you hire, train and retain the best talent!

Codility: Codility provides features like pre-built coding tasks and questions that may be customized to meet specific needs, a comprehensive coding examination tool that supports many different programming languages, and an online code editor that enables applicants to develop and test their code. However, the platform may not be as ideal for many organizations due to its complex user interface and high pricing models.

2. Test creation and administration

Let’s take a look at the key differences between Codility and HackerEarth. Both platforms offer state-of-the-art AI-based tech recruiting tools.

HackerEarth: The platform opens up its comprehensive library of pre-built coding questions to you. You can choose from 17,000+ questions and 900+ skills to set the right test for each job role. You can create tests based on a particular skill, job role, or job description. It also has the option of tailoring tests so they match your specific requirements.

The platform supports multiple question types, including MCQs, coding questions, and subjective questions. The platform’s drag-and-drop interface allows recruiters to arrange and organize questions easily. Additionally, recruiters can customize test settings, such as the time limit, difficulty level, and programming language.

Also read: How To Create An Automated Assessment With HackerEarth

Codility: Codility offers a comprehensive set of tools and features for test creation and administration, but it can be long and complicated if you do not have any prior interaction with the platform. Its library of questions is also minimal when compared to HackerEarth’s library.

Although you can try and customize your test from the library of pre-built code tasks and questions with the platform, the modification options are restricted. If you want to customize your tests, not all question types in the library can be used. You can also only create role-specific tests. This may make it challenging to design assessments that can accurately evaluate candidates’ abilities.

3. Integrations

A good technical interviewing software should be compatible with other HR software. This is where HackerEarth and Codility differ.

HackerEarth: provides a variety of connections with ATS and HR applications. You can easily handle real-time candidate data and evaluation results, boosting their hiring processes’ efficacy and efficiency.

HackerEarth makes it simple for businesses to incorporate the findings of their assessments into their current hiring workflows by connecting with well-known ATS and HR software programs like Greenhouse, Lever, Zoho, and Workable. Eliminating the need for manual data entry and increasing the accuracy of candidate data enables you to make better recruiting decisions.

Codility: Codility allows integrations with a few popular ATS and HR software, like Greenhouse and Lever. But, compared to HackerEarth, Codility’s integration possibilities are limited.

Another limitation of Codility’s integrations is that there may be multiple stages in the employment process, which means some human data entry may be required. This might be time-consuming and increase the likelihood of errors or inconsistent data.

Also read: 6 Best Planning Tools for Recruiters

4. Reporting and analytics

Reporting and analytics are crucial in tech interviews because they offer unbiased information about a candidate’s technical skills and talents, which may assist hiring managers in making better choices. Let’s check how HackerEarth provides more detailed reports than Codility.

HackerEarth: To make better recruiting decisions, recruiters may follow the development and performance of candidates in real time. With the platform’s robust data visualization features like leaderboards, you can immediately spot trends and patterns in evaluation data.

You can avail code quality scores based on 4 parameters in candidate performance reports with HackerEarth’s reporting. The parameters are maintainability, reliability, security, and cyclomatic Complexity. This helps you get a deeper insight into a candidate’s capabilities and make the correct hiring decision.

It also supports question-based analytics and supplies a health score index for each question in the library to help you add more accuracy to your assessments. The health score is based on parameters like degree of difficulty, choice of the programming language used, number of attempts over the past year, and so on.

Codility: Codility offers fundamental reporting and analytics features that let recruiters monitor the progress of candidates and the outcomes of assessments. However, Codility’s reporting and analytics tools fall short in several areas when compared to HackerEarth.

It also offers code quality scores but only on 3 parameters of correctness (available only for test cases), and performance, which includes a similarity/plagiarism check.

The lack of customization possibilities is one of the major drawbacks of Codility’s reporting and analytics services.

Pick The Right Type Of Question To Evaluate Developers | FREE EBOOK

5. Remote proctoring capabilities

HackerEarth: The chances of a candidate cheating on a HackerEarth technical assessment are virtually zero with our robust AI-powered proctoring features. To begin with, our platform does not allow candidates to use their own IDE to attempt a test.

We recently launched the HackerEarth Smart Browser which provides a sealed-off testing environment and takes random snapshots of the candidates via the webcam. A comprehensive list of candidate actions that are not allowed is as follows –

  • Screensharing the test window
  • Keeping other applications open during the test
  • Trying to switch tabs
  • Resizing the test window
  • Taking screenshots of the test window
  • Recording the test window
  • Using malicious keystrokes
  • Viewing OS notifications
  • Running the test window within a virtual machine
  • Operating browser developer tools

Additionally, HackerEarth Assessments restricts IP addresses based on location. This feature is useful during campus recruitment drives to prevent cheating.

Also read: HackerEarth Assessments + The Smart Browser: Formula For Bulletproof Tech Hiring

Codility: The proctoring features provided by this platform are not as advanced as HackerEarth’s. In fact, the available proctoring features are quite limited and not AI-powered.

Candidates can solve the assessment using their own IDE. This makes it difficult to curb any malpractices like copy-pasting code, switching tabs to search for solutions, and screen sharing to get help from external sources. Recruiters and hiring managers will have their work cut out for them, trying to closely monitor each candidate remotely and protect the integrity of the test.

6. Security and data privacy

In tech interviews, candidates are frequently asked to share sensitive information, including their personal information, employment history, and code samples. Therefore security and data privacy are essential. You must set up safe and dependable systems for data transmission, storage, and access control if you want to guarantee the security of this data.

Here is how HackerEarth and Codility provide security and data privacy.

HackerEarth: HackerEarth strongly emphasizes security and data privacy, making it a highly trusted platform for recruitment and assessments. The platform is designed to ensure that candidate data is protected at all times and that the platform is secure from potential cyber threats.

HackerEarth also has robust data privacy policies to ensure that candidate data is handled in compliance with relevant data protection laws, like GDPR, ISO 27001, ISO 27017, and CCPA.

Codility: Codility has basic security and data privacy measures in place. The platform lacks some of the key security features essential for recruitment and assessments.

Regarding data privacy, Codility has some policies to ensure compliance with data protection laws like GDPR, ISO 27001, and CCPA. However, the platform lacks some of the tools recruiters need to manage candidate data securely.

Also read: How Does HackerEarth Combat The Use Of ChatGPT And Other LLMs In Tech Hiring Assessments?

7. Pricing and support

You must pick an affordable platform with a price structure that matches your requirements for hiring. Support is essential during the interview if there are any technical difficulties or inquiries. A dependable support crew may reduce downtime, resolve issues, and guarantee a positive interviewing experience for prospects and recruiters.

HackerEarth: HackerEarth provides flexible pricing options to their clients, allowing them to choose the plan that best fits their needs and budget. The platform offers pay-as-you-go and subscription-based plans, making it accessible to organizations of all sizes.

In addition to flexible pricing options, HackerEarth provides excellent customer support to their clients. It offers a customer support chat solution around the clock. HackerEarth also provides extensive documentation and training materials to help recruiters and hiring managers get the most out of the platform.

Its flexible pricing options and excellent customer support make it attractive for organizations seeking a reliable and cost-effective recruitment and assessment platform.

Codility: Codility’s pricing model is less flexible than HackerEarth, making it less accessible to organizations with limited budgets. The platform offers only subscription-based plans, which can be costly for smaller organizations.

Regarding customer support, Codility provides basic support services to its clients. However, the platform’s support resources are limited compared to HackerEarth. Codility does not offer 24/7 support, making it difficult for organizations operating in different time zones.

8. User experience

User experience (UX) can significantly impact candidate engagement, satisfaction, and, ultimately, an organization’s recruitment success, making it an essential part of technical interviews. A well-designed and user-friendly platform can attract top talent, promote a good candidate experience and positively reflect the company’s brand and culture.

HackerEarth: HackerEarth provides a fantastic user experience through its intuitive and user-friendly interface. The platform has a modern and sleek design that is easy to navigate, making it accessible to technical and non-technical users. The highly customizable platform allows recruiters and hiring managers to tailor it to their needs.

In addition, HackerEarth provides a seamless candidate experience. The platform’s assessments are engaging and interactive, making it easy for candidates to showcase their skills and abilities. The platform also provides candidates with detailed feedback.

Codility: Codility’s less polished user experience and limited customization options can make it less attractive to organizations that prioritize user-friendliness and flexibility in their recruitment and assessment platforms.

9. User reviews and feedback

It is advisable to check reviews before investing in any software or tool. In tech interviews, customer reviews and comments are crucial as they shed light on the pros and cons of the platform as well as the overall user experience. You may better understand how the platform works in practical situations. Let’s see what other companies are saying about HackerEarth and Codility.

HackerEarth: HackerEarth has received overwhelmingly positive user reviews and is trusted by 1000+ top enterprises. The platform is highly praised for its intuitive interface, customizable assessments, and excellent customer support. Users also appreciate the platform’s seamless integration with other HR software and ATS systems and robust reporting and analytics capabilities.

Companies like Flipkart, Lenskart Freshdesk, and many more rely on HackerEarth to hire top talent in the industry. In addition, many users also note that HackerEarth’s assessments are engaging and interactive. Users agree that the assessments are fair and unbiased.

Codility: Codility has received mixed reviews and feedback from users. While some users appreciate the platform’s focus on algorithmic testing and its ability to identify top technical talent, others criticize its lack of customization options and less-polished user interface.

Some users have also expressed frustration with Codility’s pricing model, which can be expensive for organizations that conduct several assessments.

The scales are tipping in favor of…

In conclusion, HackerEarth and Codility provide useful hiring and evaluation tools to assist businesses in streamlining their hiring procedures and locating top talent. However, you should consider several significant variations between the two while deciding which platform to adopt.

HackerEarth is a great alternative to Codility and outperforms it in several ways. To summarize a few advanced features it provides:

  • more refined user experience,
  • multiple customization choices,
  • better remote proctoring features
  • robust reporting and analytics tools.

The platform also heavily emphasizes security and data protection, making it a viable option for businesses that value these aspects.

Contrarily, Codility’s focus on coding challenges and assessments may be particularly appealing to organizations looking to hire for technical roles. However, the platform may be less customizable and less intuitive than HackerEarth, and some users have criticized its pricing model, the proctoring limitations, and the accuracy of its assessments.

Not convinced yet? So don’t take our word for it. Sign up for a free trial and check out HackerEarth’s offerings for yourself!

HackerEarth Assessments + The Smart Browser: Formula For Bulletproof Tech Hiring

Let’s face it—cheating on tests is quite common. While technology has made a lot of things easier in tech recruiting, it has also left the field wide open to malpractice. A 2020 report by ICAI shows that 32% of undergraduate students have cheated in some form on an online test.

It’s human nature to want to bend the rules a little bit. Which begs the question, how do you stay on top of cheating, plagiarism, and other forms of malpractice during the assessment process?

How do you ensure that take-home assessments and remote interviews stay authentic and credible? By relying on enhanced virtual supervision, of course!

HackerEarth Assessments has always been one step ahead when it comes to remote proctoring which is able to capture the nuances of candidate plagiarism. The recent advancements in technology (think generative AI) needed more robust proctoring features, so we went ahead and built The HackerEarth Smart Browser to ensure our assessments remain as foolproof as ever.

Presenting to you, the latest HackerEarth proctoring fix - The Smart Browser

Our Smart Browser is the chocolatey version of a plain donut when compared to a regular web browser. It is extra effective and comes packed with additional remote proctoring capabilities to increase the quality of your screening assessments.

The chances of a candidate cheating on a HackerEarth technical assessment are virtually zero with the latest features! Spilling all our secrets to show you why -

1. Sealed-off testing environment makes proctoring simpler

Sealed-off testing environment makes proctoring simpler

To get started with using the Smart Browser, enable the Smart Browser setting as shown above. This setting is available under the test proctoring section on the test overview page.

As you can see, several other proctoring settings such as disabling copy-paste, restricting candidates to full-screen mode, and logout on leaving the test interface are selected automatically.Now, every candidate you invite to take the assessment will only be able to do so through the Smart Browser. Candidates are prompted to download the Smart Browser from the link shared in the test invite mail.When the candidate needs to click on the ‘start test’ button on the launch test screen, it opens in the Smart Browser. The browser also prompts the candidate to switch to full-screen mode. Now, all candidates need to do is sign in and attempt the test, as usual.
Also read: 6 Ways Candidates Try To Outsmart A Remote Proctored Assessment

2. Eagle-eyed online test monitoring leaves no room for error

Eagle-eyed online test monitoring with the smart browser leaves no room for errorOur AI-enabled Smart Browser takes frequent snapshots via the webcam, throughout the assessment. Consequently, it is impossible to copy-paste code or impersonate a candidate.The browser prevents the following candidate actions and facilitates thorough monitoring of the assessment:
  • Screensharing the test window
  • Keeping other applications open during the test
  • Resizing the test window
  • Taking screenshots of the test window
  • Recording the test window
  • Using malicious keystrokes
  • Viewing OS notifications
  • Running the test window within a virtual machine
  • Operating browser developer tools
Any candidate actions attempting to switch tabs with the intent to copy-paste or use a generative AI like ChatGPT are shown a warning and captured in the candidate report.HackerEarth’s latest proctoring fixes bulletproof our assessment platform, making it one of the most reliable and accurate sources of candidate hiring in the market today.
Also read: 4 Ways HackerEarth Flags The Use Of ChatGPT In Tech Hiring Assessments

Experience reliable assessments with the Smart Browser!

There you have it - our newest offering that preserves the integrity of coding assessments and enables skill-first hiring, all in one go. Recruiters and hiring managers, this is one feature that you can easily rely on and can be sure that every candidate’s test score is a result of their ability alone.Curious to try out the Smart Browser? Well, don’t take our word for it. Head over here to check it out for yourself!

We also love hearing from our customers so don’t hesitate to leave us any feedback you might have.

Until then, happy hiring!
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7 Tech Recruiting Trends To Watch Out For In 2024

The last couple of years transformed how the world works and the tech industry is no exception. Remote work, a candidate-driven market, and automation are some of the tech recruiting trends born out of the pandemic.

While accepting the new reality and adapting to it is the first step, keeping up with continuously changing hiring trends in technology is the bigger challenge right now.

What does 2024 hold for recruiters across the globe? What hiring practices would work best in this post-pandemic world? How do you stay on top of the changes in this industry?

The answers to these questions will paint a clearer picture of how to set up for success while recruiting tech talent this year.

7 tech recruiting trends for 2024

6 Tech Recruiting Trends To Watch Out For In 2022

Recruiters, we’ve got you covered. Here are the tech recruiting trends that will change the way you build tech teams in 2024.

Trend #1—Leverage data-driven recruiting

Data-driven recruiting strategies are the answer to effective talent sourcing and a streamlined hiring process.

Talent acquisition leaders need to use real-time analytics like pipeline growth metrics, offer acceptance rates, quality and cost of new hires, and candidate feedback scores to reduce manual work, improve processes, and hire the best talent.

The key to capitalizing on talent market trends in 2024 is data. It enables you to analyze what’s working and what needs refinement, leaving room for experimentation.

Trend #2—Have impactful employer branding

98% of recruiters believe promoting company culture helps sourcing efforts as seen in our 2021 State Of Developer Recruitment report.

Having a strong employer brand that supports a clear Employer Value Proposition (EVP) is crucial to influencing a candidate’s decision to work with your company. Perks like upskilling opportunities, remote work, and flexible hours are top EVPs that attract qualified candidates.

A clear EVP builds a culture of balance, mental health awareness, and flexibility—strengthening your employer brand with candidate-first policies.

Trend #3—Focus on candidate-driven market

The pandemic drastically increased the skills gap, making tech recruitment more challenging. With the severe shortage of tech talent, candidates now hold more power and can afford to be selective.

Competitive pay is no longer enough. Use data to understand what candidates want—work-life balance, remote options, learning opportunities—and adapt accordingly.

Recruiters need to think creatively to attract and retain top talent.


Recommended read: What NOT To Do When Recruiting Fresh Talent


Trend #4—Have a diversity and inclusion oriented company culture

Diversity and inclusion have become central to modern recruitment. While urgent hiring can delay D&I efforts, long-term success depends on inclusive teams. Our survey shows that 25.6% of HR professionals believe a diverse leadership team helps build stronger pipelines and reduces bias.

McKinsey’s Diversity Wins report confirms this: top-quartile gender-diverse companies see 25% higher profitability, and ethnically diverse teams show 36% higher returns.

It's refreshing to see the importance of an inclusive culture increasing across all job-seeking communities, especially in tech. This reiterates that D&I is a must-have, not just a good-to-have.

—Swetha Harikrishnan, Sr. HR Director, HackerEarth

Recommended read: Diversity And Inclusion in 2022 - 5 Essential Rules To Follow


Trend #5—Embed automation and AI into your recruitment systems

With the rise of AI tools like ChatGPT, automation is being adopted across every business function—including recruiting.

Manual communication with large candidate pools is inefficient. In 2024, recruitment automation and AI-powered platforms will automate candidate nurturing and communication, providing a more personalized experience while saving time.

Trend #6—Conduct remote interviews

With 32.5% of companies planning to stay remote, remote interviewing is here to stay.

Remote interviews expand access to global talent, reduce overhead costs, and increase flexibility—making the hiring process more efficient for both recruiters and candidates.

Trend #7—Be proactive in candidate engagement

Delayed responses or lack of updates can frustrate candidates and impact your brand. Proactive communication and engagement with both active and passive candidates are key to successful recruiting.

As recruitment evolves, proactive candidate engagement will become central to attracting and retaining talent. In 2023 and beyond, companies must engage both active and passive candidates through innovative strategies and technologies like chatbots and AI-powered systems. Building pipelines and nurturing relationships will enhance employer branding and ensure long-term hiring success.

—Narayani Gurunathan, CEO, PlaceNet Consultants

Recruiting Tech Talent Just Got Easier With HackerEarth

Recruiting qualified tech talent is tough—but we’re here to help. HackerEarth for Enterprises offers an all-in-one suite that simplifies sourcing, assessing, and interviewing developers.

Our tech recruiting platform enables you to:

  • Tap into a 6 million-strong developer community
  • Host custom hackathons to engage talent and boost your employer brand
  • Create online assessments to evaluate 80+ tech skills
  • Use dev-friendly IDEs and proctoring for reliable evaluations
  • Benchmark candidates against a global community
  • Conduct live coding interviews with FaceCode, our collaborative coding interview tool
  • Guide upskilling journeys via our Learning and Development platform
  • Integrate seamlessly with all leading ATS systems
  • Access 24/7 support with a 95% satisfaction score

Recommended read: The A-Zs Of Tech Recruiting - A Guide


Staying ahead of tech recruiting trends, improving hiring processes, and adapting to change is the way forward in 2024. Take note of the tips in this article and use them to build a future-ready hiring strategy.

Ready to streamline your tech recruiting? Try HackerEarth for Enterprises today.

(Part 2) Essential Questions To Ask When Interviewing Developers In 2021

The first part of this blog stresses the importance of asking the right technical interview questions to assess a candidate’s coding skills. But that alone is not enough. If you want to hire the crème de la crème of the developer talent out there, you have to look for a well-rounded candidate.

Honest communication, empathy, and passion for their work are equally important as a candidate’s technical knowledge. Soft skills are like the cherry on top. They set the best of the candidates apart from the rest.

Re-examine how you are vetting your candidates. Identify the gaps in your interviews. Once you start addressing these gaps, you find developers who have the potential to be great. And those are exactly the kind of people that you want to work with!

Let’s get to it, shall we?

Hire great developers

What constitutes a good interview question?

An ideal interview should reveal a candidate’s personality along with their technical knowledge. To formulate a comprehensive list of questions, keep in mind three important characteristics.

  • Questions are open-ended – questions like, “What are some of the programming languages you’re comfortable with,” instead of “Do you know this particular programming language” makes the candidate feel like they’re in control. It is also a chance to let them reply to your question in their own words.
  • They address the behavioral aspects of a candidate – ensure you have a few questions on your list that allow a candidate to describe a situation. A situation where a client was unhappy or a time when the developer learned a new technology. Such questions help you assess if the candidate is a good fit for the team.
  • There is no right or wrong answer – it is important to have a structured interview process in place. But this does not mean you have a list of standard answers in mind that you’re looking for. How candidates approach your questions shows you whether they have the makings of a successful candidate. Focus on that rather than on the actual answer itself.

Designing a conversation around these buckets of interview questions brings you to my next question, “What should you look for in each candidate to spot the best ones?”

Hire GREAT developers by asking the right questions

Before we dive deep into the interview questions, we have to think about a few things that have changed. COVID-19 has rendered working from home the new normal for the foreseeable future. As a recruiter, the onus falls upon you to understand whether the developer is comfortable working remotely and has the relevant resources to achieve maximum productivity.

#1 How do you plan your day?

Remote work gives employees the option to be flexible. You don’t have to clock in 9 hours a day as long as you get everything done on time. A developer who hasn’t always been working remotely, but has a routine in place, understands the pitfalls of working from home. It is easy to get distracted and having a schedule to fall back on ensures good productivity.

#2 Do you have experience using tools for collaboration and remote work?

Working from home reduces human interaction heavily. There is no way to just go up to your teammate’s desk and clarify issues. Virtual communication is key to getting work done. Look for what kind of remote working tools your candidate is familiar with and if they know what collaborative tools to use for different tasks.

Value-based interview questions to ask

We went around and spoke to our engineering team, and the recruiting team to see what questions they abide by; what they think makes any candidate tick.

The result? – a motley group of questions that aim to reveal the candidate’s soft skills, in addition to typical technical interview questions and test tasks.


Recommended read: How Recruiting The Right Tech Talent Can Solve Tech Debt


#3 Please describe three recent projects that you worked on. What were the most interesting and challenging parts?

This is an all-encompassing question in that it lets the candidate explain at length about their work ethic—thought process, handling QA, working with a team, and managing user feedback. This also lets you dig enough to assess whether the candidate is taking credit for someone else's work or not.

#4 You’ve worked long and hard to deliver a complex feature for a client and they say it’s not what they asked for. How would you take it?

A good developer will take it in their stride, work closely with the client to find the point of disconnect, and sort out the issue. There are so many things that could go wrong or not be to the client’s liking, and it falls on the developer to remain calm and create solutions.

#5 What new programming languages or technologies have you learned recently?

While being certified in many programming languages doesn't guarantee a great developer, it still is an important technical interview question to ask. It helps highlight a thirst for knowledge and shows that the developer is eager to learn new things.

#6 What does the perfect release look like? Who is involved and what is your role?

Have the developer take you through each phase of a recent software development lifecycle. Ask them to explain their specific role in each phase in this release. This will give you an excellent perspective into a developer’s mind. Do they talk about the before and after of the release? A skilled developer would. The chances of something going wrong in a release are very high. How would the developer react? Will they be able to handle the pressure?


SUBSCRIBE to the HackerEarth blog and enrich your monthly reading with our free e-newsletter – Fresh, insightful and awesome articles straight into your inbox from around the tech recruiting world!


#7 Tell me about a time when you had to convince your lead to try a different approach?

As an example of a behavioral interview question, this is a good one. The way a developer approaches this question speaks volumes about how confident they are expressing their views, and how succinct they are in articulating those views.

#8 What have you done with all the extra hours during the pandemic?

Did you binge-watch your way through the pandemic? I’m sure every one of us has done this. Indulge in a lighthearted conversation with your candidate. This lets them talk about something they are comfortable with. Maybe they learned a new skill or took up a hobby. Get to know a candidate’s interests and little pleasures for a more rounded evaluation.

Over to you! Now that you know what aspects of a candidate to focus on, you are well-equipped to bring out the best in each candidate in their interviews. A mix of strong technical skills and interpersonal qualities is how you spot good developers for your team.

If you have more pressing interview questions to add to this list of ours, please write to us at contact@hackerearth.com.

(Part 1) Essential Questions To Ask When Recruiting Developers In 2021

The minute a developer position opens up, recruiters feel a familiar twinge of fear run down their spines. They recall their previous interview experiences, and how there seems to be a blog post a month that goes viral about bad developer interviews.

While hiring managers, especially the picky ones, would attribute this to a shortage of talented developers, what if the time has come to rethink your interview process? What if recruiters and hiring managers put too much stock into bringing out the technical aspects of each candidate and don’t put enough emphasis on their soft skills?

A report by Robert Half shows that 86% of technology leaders say it’s challenging to find IT talent. Interviewing developers should be a rewarding experience, not a challenging one. If you don’t get caught up in asking specific questions and instead design a simple conversation to gauge a candidate’s way of thinking, it throws up a lot of good insight and makes it fun too.

Developer Hiring Statistics

Asking the right technical interview questions when recruiting developers is important but so is clear communication, good work ethic, and alignment with your organization’s goals.

Let us first see what kind of technical interview questions are well-suited to revealing the coding skills and knowledge of any developer, and then tackle the behavioral aspects of the candidate that sets them apart from the rest.

Recruit GREAT developers by asking the right questions

Here are some technical interview questions that you should ask potential software engineers when interviewing.

#1 Write an algorithm for the following

  1. Minimum Stack - Design a stack that provides 4 functions - push(item), pop, peek, and minimum, all in constant order time complexity. Then move on to coding the actual solution.
  2. Kth Largest Element in an array - This is a standard problem with multiple solutions of best time complexity orders where N log(K) is a common one and O(N) + K log(N) is a lesser-known order. Both solutions are acceptable, not directly comparable to each other, and better than N log(N), which is sorting an array and fetching the Kth element.
  3. Top View of a Binary Tree - Given a root node of the binary tree, return the set of all elements that will get wet if it rains on the tree. Nodes having any nodes directly above them will not get wet.
  4. Internal implementation of a hashtable like a map/dictionary - A candidate needs to specify how key-value pairs are stored, hashing is used and collisions are handled. A good developer not only knows how to use this concept but also how it works. If the developer also knows how the data structure scales when the number of records increases in the hashtable, that is a bonus.

Algorithms demonstrate a candidate’s ability to break down a complex problem into steps. Reasoning and pattern recognition capabilities are some more factors to look for when assessing a candidate. A good candidate can code his thought process of the algorithm finalized during the discussion.


Looking for a great place to hire developers in the US? Try Jooble!


#2 Formulate solutions for the below low-level design (LLD) questions

  • What is LLD? In your own words, specify the different aspects covered in LLD.
  • Design a movie ticket booking application like BookMyShow. Ensure that your database schema is tailored for a theatre with multiple screens and takes care of booking, seat availability, seat arrangement, and seat locking. Your solution does not have to extend to the payment option.
  • Design a basic social media application. Design database schema and APIs for a platform like Twitter with features for following a user, tweeting a post, seeing your tweet, and seeing a user's tweet.

Such questions do not have a right or wrong answer. They primarily serve to reveal a developer’s thought process and the way they approach a problem.


Recommended read: Hardest Tech Roles to Fill (+ solutions!)


#3 Some high-level design (HLD) questions

  • What do you understand by HLD? Can you specify the difference between LLD and HLD?
  • Design a social media application. In addition to designing a platform like Twitter with features for following a user, tweeting a post, seeing your tweet, and seeing a user's tweet, design a timeline. After designing a timeline where you can see your followers’ tweets, scale it for a larger audience. If you still have time, try to scale it for a celebrity use case.
  • Design for a train ticket booking application like IRCTC. Incorporate auth, features to choose start and end stations, view available trains and available seats between two stations, save reservation of seats from start to end stations, and lock them till payment confirmation.
  • How will you design a basic relational database? The database should support tables, columns, basic field types like integer and text, foreign keys, and indexes. The way a developer approaches this question is important. A good developer designs a solution around storage and memory management.
Here’s a pro-tip for you. LLD questions can be answered by both beginners and experienced developers. Mostly, senior developers can be expected to answer HLD questions. Choose your interview questions set wisely, and ask questions relevant to your candidate’s experience.

#4 Have you ever worked with SQL? Write queries for a specific use case that requires multiple joins.

Example: Create a table with separate columns for student name, subject, and marks scored. Return student names and ranks of each student. The rank of a student depends on the total of marks in all subjects.

Not all developers would have experience working with SQL but some knowledge about how data is stored/structured is useful. Developers should be familiar with simple concepts like joins, retrieval queries, and the basics of DBMS.

#5 What do you think is wrong with this code?

Instead of asking developer candidates to write code on a piece of paper (which is outdated, anyway), ask them to debug existing code. This is another way to assess their technical skills. Place surreptitious errors in the code and evaluate their attention to detail.

Now that you know exactly what technical skills to look for and when questions to ask when interviewing developers, the time has come to assess the soft skills of these candidates. Part 2 of this blog throws light on the how and why of evaluating candidates based on their communication skills, work ethic, and alignment with the company’s goals.

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Best Pre-Employment Assessments: Optimizing Your Hiring Process for 2024

In today's competitive talent market, attracting and retaining top performers is crucial for any organization's success. However, traditional hiring methods like relying solely on resumes and interviews may not always provide a comprehensive picture of a candidate's skills and potential. This is where pre-employment assessments come into play.

What is Pre-Employement Assessment?

Pre-employment assessments are standardized tests and evaluations administered to candidates before they are hired. These assessments can help you objectively measure a candidate's knowledge, skills, abilities, and personality traits, allowing you to make data-driven hiring decisions.

By exploring and evaluating the best pre-employment assessment tools and tests available, you can:

  • Improve the accuracy and efficiency of your hiring process.
  • Identify top talent with the right skills and cultural fit.
  • Reduce the risk of bad hires.
  • Enhance the candidate experience by providing a clear and objective evaluation process.

This guide will provide you with valuable insights into the different types of pre-employment assessments available and highlight some of the best tools, to help you optimize your hiring process for 2024.

Why pre-employment assessments are key in hiring

While resumes and interviews offer valuable insights, they can be subjective and susceptible to bias. Pre-employment assessments provide a standardized and objective way to evaluate candidates, offering several key benefits:

  • Improved decision-making:

    By measuring specific skills and knowledge, assessments help you identify candidates who possess the qualifications necessary for the job.

  • Reduced bias:

    Standardized assessments mitigate the risks of unconscious bias that can creep into traditional interview processes.

  • Increased efficiency:

    Assessments can streamline the initial screening process, allowing you to focus on the most promising candidates.

  • Enhanced candidate experience:

    When used effectively, assessments can provide candidates with a clear understanding of the required skills and a fair chance to showcase their abilities.

Types of pre-employment assessments

There are various types of pre-employment assessments available, each catering to different needs and objectives. Here's an overview of some common types:

1. Skill Assessments:

  • Technical Skills: These assessments evaluate specific technical skills and knowledge relevant to the job role, such as programming languages, software proficiency, or industry-specific expertise. HackerEarth offers a wide range of validated technical skill assessments covering various programming languages, frameworks, and technologies.
  • Soft Skills: These employment assessments measure non-technical skills like communication, problem-solving, teamwork, and critical thinking, crucial for success in any role.

2. Personality Assessments:

These employment assessments can provide insights into a candidate's personality traits, work style, and cultural fit within your organization.

3. Cognitive Ability Tests:

These tests measure a candidate's general mental abilities, such as reasoning, problem-solving, and learning potential.

4. Integrity Assessments:

These employment assessments aim to identify potential risks associated with a candidate's honesty, work ethic, and compliance with company policies.

By understanding the different types of assessments and their applications, you can choose the ones that best align with your specific hiring needs and ensure you hire the most qualified and suitable candidates for your organization.

Leading employment assessment tools and tests in 2024

Choosing the right pre-employment assessment tool depends on your specific needs and budget. Here's a curated list of some of the top pre-employment assessment tools and tests available in 2024, with brief overviews:

  • HackerEarth:

    A comprehensive platform offering a wide range of validated skill assessments in various programming languages, frameworks, and technologies. It also allows for the creation of custom assessments and integrates seamlessly with various recruitment platforms.

  • SHL:

    Provides a broad selection of assessments, including skill tests, personality assessments, and cognitive ability tests. They offer customizable solutions and cater to various industries.

  • Pymetrics:

    Utilizes gamified assessments to evaluate cognitive skills, personality traits, and cultural fit. They offer a data-driven approach and emphasize candidate experience.

  • Wonderlic:

    Offers a variety of assessments, including the Wonderlic Personnel Test, which measures general cognitive ability. They also provide aptitude and personality assessments.

  • Harver:

    An assessment platform focusing on candidate experience with video interviews, gamified assessments, and skills tests. They offer pre-built assessments and customization options.

Remember: This list is not exhaustive, and further research is crucial to identify the tool that aligns best with your specific needs and budget. Consider factors like the types of assessments offered, pricing models, integrations with your existing HR systems, and user experience when making your decision.

Choosing the right pre-employment assessment tool

Instead of full individual tool reviews, consider focusing on 2–3 key platforms. For each platform, explore:

  • Target audience: Who are their assessments best suited for (e.g., technical roles, specific industries)?
  • Types of assessments offered: Briefly list the available assessment categories (e.g., technical skills, soft skills, personality).
  • Key features: Highlight unique functionalities like gamification, custom assessment creation, or seamless integrations.
  • Effectiveness: Briefly mention the platform's approach to assessment validation and reliability.
  • User experience: Consider including user reviews or ratings where available.

Comparative analysis of assessment options

Instead of a comprehensive comparison, consider focusing on specific use cases:

  • Technical skills assessment:

    Compare HackerEarth and Wonderlic based on their technical skill assessment options, focusing on the variety of languages/technologies covered and assessment formats.

  • Soft skills and personality assessment:

    Compare SHL and Pymetrics based on their approaches to evaluating soft skills and personality traits, highlighting any unique features like gamification or data-driven insights.

  • Candidate experience:

    Compare Harver and Wonderlic based on their focus on candidate experience, mentioning features like video interviews or gamified assessments.

Additional tips:

  • Encourage readers to visit the platforms' official websites for detailed features and pricing information.
  • Include links to reputable third-party review sites where users share their experiences with various tools.

Best practices for using pre-employment assessment tools

Integrating pre-employment assessments effectively requires careful planning and execution. Here are some best practices to follow:

  • Define your assessment goals:

    Clearly identify what you aim to achieve with assessments. Are you targeting specific skills, personality traits, or cultural fit?

  • Choose the right assessments:

    Select tools that align with your defined goals and the specific requirements of the open position.

  • Set clear expectations:

    Communicate the purpose and format of the assessments to candidates in advance, ensuring transparency and building trust.

  • Integrate seamlessly:

    Ensure your chosen assessment tool integrates smoothly with your existing HR systems and recruitment workflow.

  • Train your team:

    Equip your hiring managers and HR team with the knowledge and skills to interpret assessment results effectively.

Interpreting assessment results accurately

Assessment results offer valuable data points, but interpreting them accurately is crucial for making informed hiring decisions. Here are some key considerations:

  • Use results as one data point:

    Consider assessment results alongside other information, such as resumes, interviews, and references, for a holistic view of the candidate.

  • Understand score limitations:

    Don't solely rely on raw scores. Understand the assessment's validity and reliability and the potential for cultural bias or individual test anxiety.

  • Look for patterns and trends:

    Analyze results across different assessments and identify consistent patterns that align with your desired candidate profile.

  • Focus on potential, not guarantees:

    Assessments indicate potential, not guarantees of success. Use them alongside other evaluation methods to make well-rounded hiring decisions.

Choosing the right pre-employment assessment tools

Selecting the most suitable pre-employment assessment tool requires careful consideration of your organization's specific needs. Here are some key factors to guide your decision:

  • Industry and role requirements:

    Different industries and roles demand varying skill sets and qualities. Choose assessments that target the specific skills and knowledge relevant to your open positions.

  • Company culture and values:

    Align your assessments with your company culture and values. For example, if collaboration is crucial, look for assessments that evaluate teamwork and communication skills.

  • Candidate experience:

    Prioritize tools that provide a positive and smooth experience for candidates. This can enhance your employer brand and attract top talent.

Budget and accessibility considerations

Budget and accessibility are essential factors when choosing pre-employment assessments:

  • Budget:

    Assessment tools come with varying pricing models (subscriptions, pay-per-use, etc.). Choose a tool that aligns with your budget and offers the functionalities you need.

  • Accessibility:

    Ensure the chosen assessment is accessible to all candidates, considering factors like language options, disability accommodations, and internet access requirements.

Additional Tips:

  • Free trials and demos: Utilize free trials or demos offered by assessment platforms to experience their functionalities firsthand.
  • Consult with HR professionals: Seek guidance from HR professionals or recruitment specialists with expertise in pre-employment assessments.
  • Read user reviews and comparisons: Gain insights from other employers who use various assessment tools.

By carefully considering these factors, you can select the pre-employment assessment tool that best aligns with your organizational needs, budget, and commitment to an inclusive hiring process.

Remember, pre-employment assessments are valuable tools, but they should not be the sole factor in your hiring decisions. Use them alongside other evaluation methods and prioritize building a fair and inclusive hiring process that attracts and retains top talent.

Future trends in pre-employment assessments

The pre-employment assessment landscape is constantly evolving, with innovative technologies and practices emerging. Here are some potential future trends to watch:

  • Artificial intelligence (AI):

    AI-powered assessments can analyze candidate responses, written work, and even resumes, using natural language processing to extract relevant insights and identify potential candidates.

  • Adaptive testing:

    These assessments adjust the difficulty level of questions based on the candidate's performance, providing a more efficient and personalized evaluation.

  • Micro-assessments:

    Short, focused assessments delivered through mobile devices can assess specific skills or knowledge on-the-go, streamlining the screening process.

  • Gamification:

    Engaging and interactive game-based elements can make the assessment experience more engaging and assess skills in a realistic and dynamic way.

Conclusion

Pre-employment assessments, when used thoughtfully and ethically, can be a powerful tool to optimize your hiring process, identify top talent, and build a successful workforce for your organization. By understanding the different types of assessments available, exploring top-rated tools like HackerEarth, and staying informed about emerging trends, you can make informed decisions that enhance your ability to attract, evaluate, and hire the best candidates for the future.

Tech Layoffs: What To Expect In 2024

Layoffs in the IT industry are becoming more widespread as companies fight to remain competitive in a fast-changing market; many turn to layoffs as a cost-cutting measure. Last year, 1,000 companies including big tech giants and startups, laid off over two lakhs of employees. But first, what are layoffs in the tech business, and how do they impact the industry?

Tech layoffs are the termination of employment for some employees by a technology company. It might happen for various reasons, including financial challenges, market conditions, firm reorganization, or the after-effects of a pandemic. While layoffs are not unique to the IT industry, they are becoming more common as companies look for methods to cut costs while remaining competitive.

The consequences of layoffs in technology may be catastrophic for employees who lose their jobs and the firms forced to make these difficult decisions. Layoffs can result in the loss of skill and expertise and a drop in employee morale and productivity. However, they may be required for businesses to stay afloat in a fast-changing market.

This article will examine the reasons for layoffs in the technology industry, their influence on the industry, and what may be done to reduce their negative impacts. We will also look at the various methods for tracking tech layoffs.

What are tech layoffs?

The term "tech layoff" describes the termination of employees by an organization in the technology industry. A company might do this as part of a restructuring during hard economic times.

In recent times, the tech industry has witnessed a wave of significant layoffs, affecting some of the world’s leading technology companies, including Amazon, Microsoft, Meta (formerly Facebook), Apple, Cisco, SAP, and Sony. These layoffs are a reflection of the broader economic challenges and market adjustments facing the sector, including factors like slowing revenue growth, global economic uncertainties, and the need to streamline operations for efficiency.

Each of these tech giants has announced job cuts for various reasons, though common themes include restructuring efforts to stay competitive and agile, responding to over-hiring during the pandemic when demand for tech services surged, and preparing for a potentially tough economic climate ahead. Despite their dominant positions in the market, these companies are not immune to the economic cycles and technological shifts that influence operational and strategic decisions, including workforce adjustments.

This trend of layoffs in the tech industry underscores the volatile nature of the tech sector, which is often at the mercy of rapid changes in technology, consumer preferences, and the global economy. It also highlights the importance of adaptability and resilience for companies and employees alike in navigating the uncertainties of the tech landscape.

Causes for layoffs in the tech industry

Why are tech employees suffering so much?

Yes, the market is always uncertain, but why resort to tech layoffs?

Various factors cause tech layoffs, including company strategy changes, market shifts, or financial difficulties. Companies may lay off employees if they need help to generate revenue, shift their focus to new products or services, or automate certain jobs.

In addition, some common reasons could be:

Financial struggles

Currently, the state of the global market is uncertain due to economic recession, ongoing war, and other related phenomena. If a company is experiencing financial difficulties, only sticking to pay cuts may not be helpful—it may need to reduce its workforce to cut costs.


Also, read: 6 Steps To Create A Detailed Recruiting Budget (Template Included)


Changes in demand

The tech industry is constantly evolving, and companies would have to adjust their workforce to meet changing market conditions. For instance, companies are adopting remote work culture, which surely affects on-premises activity, and companies could do away with some number of tech employees at the backend.

Restructuring

Companies may also lay off employees as part of a greater restructuring effort, such as spinning off a division or consolidating operations.

Automation

With the advancement in technology and automation, some jobs previously done by human labor may be replaced by machines, resulting in layoffs.

Mergers and acquisitions

When two companies merge, there is often overlap in their operations, leading to layoffs as the new company looks to streamline its workforce.

But it's worth noting that layoffs are not exclusive to the tech industry and can happen in any industry due to uncertainty in the market.

Will layoffs increase in 2024?

It is challenging to estimate the rise or fall of layoffs. The overall state of the economy, the health of certain industries, and the performance of individual companies will play a role in deciding the degree of layoffs in any given year.

But it is also seen that, in the first 15 days of this year, 91 organizations laid off over 24,000 tech workers, and over 1,000 corporations cut down more than 150,000 workers in 2022, according to an Economic Times article.

The COVID-19 pandemic caused a huge economic slowdown and forced several businesses to downsize their employees. However, some businesses rehired or expanded their personnel when the world began to recover.

So, given the current level of economic uncertainty, predicting how the situation will unfold is difficult.


Also, read: 4 Images That Show What Developers Think Of Layoffs In Tech


What types of companies are prone to tech layoffs?

2023 Round Up Of Layoffs In Big Tech

Tech layoffs can occur in organizations of all sizes and various areas.

Following are some examples of companies that have experienced tech layoffs in the past:

Large tech firms

Companies such as IBM, Microsoft, Twitter, Better.com, Alibaba, and HP have all experienced layoffs in recent years as part of restructuring initiatives or cost-cutting measures.

Market scenarios are still being determined after Elon Musk's decision to lay off employees. Along with tech giants, some smaller companies and startups have also been affected by layoffs.

Startups

Because they frequently work with limited resources, startups may be forced to lay off staff if they cannot get further funding or need to pivot due to market downfall.

Small and medium-sized businesses

Small and medium-sized businesses face layoffs due to high competition or if the products/services they offer are no longer in demand.

Companies in certain industries

Some sectors of the technological industry, such as the semiconductor industry or automotive industry, may be more prone to layoffs than others.

Companies that lean on government funding

Companies that rely significantly on government contracts may face layoffs if the government cuts technology spending or contracts are not renewed.

How to track tech layoffs?

You can’t stop tech company layoffs, but you should be keeping track of them. We, HR professionals and recruiters, can also lend a helping hand in these tough times by circulating “layoff lists” across social media sites like LinkedIn and Twitter to help people land jobs quicker. Firefish Software put together a master list of sources to find fresh talent during the layoff period.

Because not all layoffs are publicly disclosed, tracking tech industry layoffs can be challenging, and some may go undetected. There are several ways to keep track of tech industry layoffs:

Use tech layoffs tracker

Layoff trackers like thelayoff.com and layoffs.fyi provide up-to-date information on layoffs.

In addition, they aid in identifying trends in layoffs within the tech industry. It can reveal which industries are seeing the most layoffs and which companies are the most affected.

Companies can use layoff trackers as an early warning system and compare their performance to that of other companies in their field.

News articles

Because many news sites cover tech layoffs as they happen, keeping a watch on technology sector stories can provide insight into which organizations are laying off employees and how many individuals have been affected.

Social media

Organizations and employees frequently publish information about layoffs in tech on social media platforms; thus, monitoring companies' social media accounts or following key hashtags can provide real-time updates regarding layoffs.

Online forums and communities

There are online forums and communities dedicated to discussing tech industry news, and they can be an excellent source of layoff information.

Government reports

Government agencies such as the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) publish data on layoffs and unemployment, which can provide a more comprehensive picture of the technology industry's status.

How do companies reduce tech layoffs?

Layoffs in tech are hard – for the employee who is losing their job, the recruiter or HR professional who is tasked with informing them, and the company itself. So, how can we aim to avoid layoffs? Here are some ways to minimize resorting to letting people go:

Salary reductions

Instead of laying off employees, businesses can lower the salaries or wages of all employees. It can be accomplished by instituting compensation cuts or salary freezes.

Implementing a hiring freeze

Businesses can halt employing new personnel to cut costs. It can be a short-term solution until the company's financial situation improves.


Also, read: What Recruiters Can Focus On During A Tech Hiring Freeze


Non-essential expense reduction

Businesses might search for ways to cut or remove non-essential expenses such as travel, training, and office expenses.

Reducing working hours

Companies can reduce employee working hours to save money, such as implementing a four-day workweek or a shorter workday.

These options may not always be viable and may have their problems, but before laying off, a company owes it to its people to consider every other alternative, and formulate the best solution.

Tech layoffs to bleed into this year

While we do not know whether this trend will continue or subside during 2023, we do know one thing. We have to be prepared for a wave of layoffs that is still yet to hit. As of last month, Layoffs.fyi had already tracked 170+ companies conducting 55,970 layoffs in 2023.

So recruiters, let’s join arms, distribute those layoff lists like there’s no tomorrow, and help all those in need of a job! :)

What is Headhunting In Recruitment?: Types & How Does It Work?

In today’s fast-paced world, recruiting talent has become increasingly complicated. Technological advancements, high workforce expectations and a highly competitive market have pushed recruitment agencies to adopt innovative strategies for recruiting various types of talent. This article aims to explore one such recruitment strategy – headhunting.

What is Headhunting in recruitment?

In headhunting, companies or recruitment agencies identify, engage and hire highly skilled professionals to fill top positions in the respective companies. It is different from the traditional process in which candidates looking for job opportunities approach companies or recruitment agencies. In headhunting, executive headhunters, as recruiters are referred to, approach prospective candidates with the hiring company’s requirements and wait for them to respond. Executive headhunters generally look for passive candidates, those who work at crucial positions and are not on the lookout for new work opportunities. Besides, executive headhunters focus on filling critical, senior-level positions indispensable to companies. Depending on the nature of the operation, headhunting has three types. They are described later in this article. Before we move on to understand the types of headhunting, here is how the traditional recruitment process and headhunting are different.

How do headhunting and traditional recruitment differ from each other?

Headhunting is a type of recruitment process in which top-level managers and executives in similar positions are hired. Since these professionals are not on the lookout for jobs, headhunters have to thoroughly understand the hiring companies’ requirements and study the work profiles of potential candidates before creating a list.

In the traditional approach, there is a long list of candidates applying for jobs online and offline. Candidates approach recruiters for jobs. Apart from this primary difference, there are other factors that define the difference between these two schools of recruitment.

AspectHeadhuntingTraditional RecruitmentCandidate TypePrimarily passive candidateActive job seekersApproachFocused on specific high-level rolesBroader; includes various levelsScopeproactive outreachReactive: candidates applyCostGenerally more expensive due to expertise requiredTypically lower costsControlManaged by headhuntersManaged internally by HR teams

All the above parameters will help you to understand how headhunting differs from traditional recruitment methods, better.

Types of headhunting in recruitment

Direct headhunting: In direct recruitment, hiring teams reach out to potential candidates through personal communication. Companies conduct direct headhunting in-house, without outsourcing the process to hiring recruitment agencies. Very few businesses conduct this type of recruitment for top jobs as it involves extensive screening across networks outside the company’s expanse.

Indirect headhunting: This method involves recruiters getting in touch with their prospective candidates through indirect modes of communication such as email and phone calls. Indirect headhunting is less intrusive and allows candidates to respond at their convenience.Third-party recruitment: Companies approach external recruitment agencies or executive headhunters to recruit highly skilled professionals for top positions. This method often leverages the company’s extensive contact network and expertise in niche industries.

How does headhunting work?

Finding highly skilled professionals to fill critical positions can be tricky if there is no system for it. Expert executive headhunters employ recruitment software to conduct headhunting efficiently as it facilitates a seamless recruitment process for executive headhunters. Most software is AI-powered and expedites processes like candidate sourcing, interactions with prospective professionals and upkeep of communication history. This makes the process of executive search in recruitment a little bit easier. Apart from using software to recruit executives, here are the various stages of finding high-calibre executives through headhunting.

Identifying the role

Once there is a vacancy for a top job, one of the top executives like a CEO, director or the head of the company, reach out to the concerned personnel with their requirements. Depending on how large a company is, they may choose to headhunt with the help of an external recruiting agency or conduct it in-house. Generally, the task is assigned to external recruitment agencies specializing in headhunting. Executive headhunters possess a database of highly qualified professionals who work in crucial positions in some of the best companies. This makes them the top choice of conglomerates looking to hire some of the best talents in the industry.

Defining the job

Once an executive headhunter or a recruiting agency is finalized, companies conduct meetings to discuss the nature of the role, how the company works, the management hierarchy among other important aspects of the job. Headhunters are expected to understand these points thoroughly and establish a clear understanding of their expectations and goals.

Candidate identification and sourcing

Headhunters analyse and understand the requirements of their clients and begin creating a pool of suitable candidates from their database. The professionals are shortlisted after conducting extensive research of job profiles, number of years of industry experience, professional networks and online platforms.

Approaching candidates

Once the potential candidates have been identified and shortlisted, headhunters move on to get in touch with them discreetly through various communication channels. As such candidates are already working at top level positions at other companies, executive headhunters have to be low-key while doing so.

Assessment and Evaluation

In this next step, extensive screening and evaluation of candidates is conducted to determine their suitability for the advertised position.

Interviews and negotiations

Compensation is a major topic of discussion among recruiters and prospective candidates. A lot of deliberation and negotiation goes on between the hiring organization and the selected executives which is facilitated by the headhunters.

Finalizing the hire

Things come to a close once the suitable candidates accept the job offer. On accepting the offer letter, headhunters help finalize the hiring process to ensure a smooth transition.

The steps listed above form the blueprint for a typical headhunting process. Headhunting has been crucial in helping companies hire the right people for crucial positions that come with great responsibility. However, all systems have a set of challenges no matter how perfect their working algorithm is. Here are a few challenges that talent acquisition agencies face while headhunting.

Common challenges in headhunting

Despite its advantages, headhunting also presents certain challenges:

Cost Implications: Engaging headhunters can be more expensive than traditional recruitment methods due to their specialized skills and services.

Time-Consuming Process: While headhunting can be efficient, finding the right candidate for senior positions may still take time due to thorough evaluation processes.

Market Competition: The competition for top talent is fierce; organizations must present compelling offers to attract passive candidates away from their current roles.

Although the above mentioned factors can pose challenges in the headhunting process, there are more upsides than there are downsides to it. Here is how headhunting has helped revolutionize the recruitment of high-profile candidates.

Advantages of Headhunting

Headhunting offers several advantages over traditional recruitment methods:

Access to Passive Candidates: By targeting individuals who are not actively seeking new employment, organisations can access a broader pool of highly skilled professionals.

Confidentiality: The discreet nature of headhunting protects both candidates’ current employment situations and the hiring organisation’s strategic interests.

Customized Search: Headhunters tailor their search based on the specific needs of the organization, ensuring a better fit between candidates and company culture.

Industry Expertise: Many headhunters specialise in particular sectors, providing valuable insights into market dynamics and candidate qualifications.

Conclusion

Although headhunting can be costly and time-consuming, it is one of the most effective ways of finding good candidates for top jobs. Executive headhunters face several challenges maintaining the g discreetness while getting in touch with prospective clients. As organizations navigate increasingly competitive markets, understanding the nuances of headhunting becomes vital for effective recruitment strategies. To keep up with the technological advancements, it is better to optimise your hiring process by employing online recruitment software like HackerEarth, which enables companies to conduct multiple interviews and evaluation tests online, thus improving candidate experience. By collaborating with skilled headhunters who possess industry expertise and insights into market trends, companies can enhance their chances of securing high-caliber professionals who drive success in their respective fields.

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