We, the undersigned, call upon the software industry to reconsider the use of coding tests in interviews. While often presented as a definitive measure of technical skill, these tests fail to accurately assess the qualities that define effective developers. We believe coding tests should be replaced with more respectful, realistic, and comprehensive evaluation methods. Here is why we stand against coding tests, particularly for educated and experienced candidates:

Coding Tests Undermine Respect for Developers
Requiring experienced candidates to perform coding tests often feels redundant and dismissive of their accomplishments. This approach undervalues their education, certifications, and extensive professional experience. Instead, interviews should focus on meaningful discussions about their track records and expertise, providing a richer understanding of their capabilities.

Unrealistic Conditions Yield Unreliable Results
Coding tests typically force candidates to work under artificial constraints—strict time limits, isolation, and without access to the resources they would rely on in a real-world environment. In practice, developers work collaboratively, use documentation extensively, and engage in thoughtful, iterative problem-solving. These realities are ignored by coding tests, making their results unreliable.

A Narrow Scope of Evaluation
Coding tests focus on a limited set of skills that often do not align with the day-to-day responsibilities of the role. They fail to measure creativity, architectural thinking, debugging proficiency, or adaptability to new tools and technologies. Effective software development is about delivering innovative solutions that meet user needs and business goals, not memorizing algorithms or solving contrived puzzles.

Bias Against Specialists
One-size-fits-all coding tests often penalize candidates who specialize in areas outside the test’s focus. For example, a front-end specialist may be unfairly evaluated on algorithmic challenges unrelated to their expertise. This approach disadvantages developers with niche skills, making it harder to identify the best fit for specialized roles.

A Measure of Memorization, Not Competence
The ability to instantly recall syntax or solve contrived puzzles has limited relevance to real-world development. Most developers regularly use reference materials—as they should. Emphasizing memorization and "gotcha" questions during interviews is out of step with professional software development practices.

Coding Tests Undermine Trust in Proven Talent
Coding tests imply that a candidate’s experience, achievements, and professional references are insufficient. This undermines trust and respect, which are critical for attracting and retaining top talent. Instead, companies should focus on evaluating how candidates apply their expertise in realistic, collaborative scenarios.

Overlooking Adaptability and Growth Potential
Adaptability—the ability to learn, grow, and integrate into a new environment—is one of the most critical skills for developers. Coding tests fail to measure this, focusing instead on isolated performance metrics. Real-world development is an ongoing process of learning and collaboration that cannot be captured in a timed exam.

Practical Alternatives to Coding Tests
We advocate for interview processes that respect candidates’ experience and evaluate their real-world abilities. Suggested methods include:

• Engaging in discussions about past projects and problem-solving approaches.
• Reviewing real-world code samples from team projects.
• Conducting collaborative problem-solving sessions that mirror actual work environments.

These methods foster respect, build trust, and provide a comprehensive view of a candidate’s potential.

Moving Toward a Better Future
It is time for companies to rethink their approach to hiring developers. Coding tests are outdated tools that risk alienating experienced candidates, creating unnecessary stress, and missing out on top talent. Instead, let us embrace methods that align with the realities of modern software development and the principles of mutual respect.

We urge the software industry to evolve beyond coding tests and adopt hiring practices that attract, evaluate, and respect the best talent in the field.