Interviewer Guide

The Interviewer

• Introduce the interview process to the candidate

• Explain the presence of the observer.

• Explain the exercise, and the problem to be solved

• Say that we will solve the problem together, but the candidate takes the lead, and that you will help them along

• If the candidate is struggling with the environment, help set it up. For example write the first failing test or at least the first test method and run the test.

• Let the candidate lead how to solve the exercise

• Ask the candidate at appropriate points for their opinion. For example

  “That is a nice idea, why did you do it that way ?”.

  “What are your thoughts on doing it using pattern X ?”

• If you see that the candidate is doing things the wrong way, don’t rush in immediately. There could be a method to the madness. Ask them why, and then guide them back to the correct implementation.

• Give hints to see if the candidate notices that they are heading in the wrong direction.

• Always guide them to take small steps.

• Stick to the red, green and refactor cycles.

• Give encouragement and be positive.

• Guiding the candidate towards green tests sets a positive mood.