Revolutionizing Interviews with Mob Programming Techniques
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Chapter 1: The Shift to Mob Programming Interviews
The concept of mob programming interviews is rapidly gaining popularity, and for good reason.
I consider myself an average person—an adequate developer with considerable experience. I'm fairly open to the idea of failure, but I am certainly not an academic. However, one thing I have always enjoyed is the art of debugging. Whether it's software bugs or human interactions, I find satisfaction in the process.
Debugging software, particularly using breakpoints, allows me to pause a program at specific points to observe its state before errors occur. In contrast, relying solely on logging can be an arduous journey toward understanding issues, as it only presents information that one anticipates needing—akin to examining a room through binoculars.
This leads me to believe that many companies could significantly improve their hiring processes by applying a similar "breakpoint" method to human interviews.
Section 1.1: Understanding Human Bugs
"Are you suggesting we break people's arms during interviews?"
Well, not literally! People, like software, have their quirks. Beyond the code they write, individuals also form conclusions based on subjective experiences. Although there's a general apprehension about AI, we often overlook the complexities of our own thoughts and behaviors.
During an interview, the goal is to ascertain whether a candidate fits the role. Typically, you might ask if they are a team player. A simple "yes" does little to reveal true character. Experienced interviewers might delve deeper with indirect questions, but not everyone has that expertise. Most just want to surround themselves with capable individuals who share their passion.
Instead, let’s embrace the breakpoint approach. We should observe candidates in action while they engage in tasks.
Subsection 1.1.1: A Quick Overview of Mob Programming
Mob programming is a highly effective strategy for creating top-tier teams. It involves one person at the keyboard (the driver) who takes directions from others (the navigators). The mantra "From mouth to keyboard" encourages discussion before coding, allowing the team to explore various solutions collaboratively. This fosters adaptability and enhances decision-making, ultimately leading to less technical debt and a more enjoyable work environment.
Section 1.2: Implementing Mob Programming in Interviews
If mob programming offers so many advantages, why not incorporate it into the interview process? Simply allow the candidate to join a couple of potential teammates to tackle a random coding challenge for about 1.5 hours. This setup can yield valuable insights.
Insights from Mob Interviews
- Real Personality Display: When candidates claim to be team players, their behavior during the task will reveal the truth. You can observe whether they actively engage with the team or attempt to dominate the situation, which can be a significant indicator of their true nature.
- Skill Assessment: Traditional coding challenges do not compare to the insights gained during mob interviews. Candidates often appreciate this fresh approach, and it allows you to observe their reasoning and coding skills in real-time.
- Team Involvement: Allowing team members to participate in the interview process is crucial. Their feedback can answer the essential question: "Would I enjoy working with this person?"
- Fun and Bonding: Effective team-building is about collaborative work. Mob programming can serve as a bonding experience for teams, creating a fun atmosphere, even if the candidate isn't hired.
Chapter 2: Getting Started with Mob Interviews
At this point, you may be curious about how to implement mob programming in your interviews.
This video, "Mob Programming Interviews," offers insights into how to effectively integrate mob programming into your interview process.
In this second video, "Mob Programming: A Whole Team Approach • Woody Zuill • GOTO 2017," you'll find valuable perspectives on team collaboration through mob programming.
Summary
There’s much to explore regarding both mob programming and mob interviews. I hope this discussion helps you understand why mob programming is a superior method for hiring developers. It fosters a fun, engaging culture that contributes to building a genuine community.
If you're eager for more information, check out my colleague Henrik Ståhl's excellent article on mob interviewing.
Thank you for reading!