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Ask HN: Are companies open to let engineers do a trial week instead of interview

4 points by mulchmaker ↗ HN
I'm a software engineer in San Francsico with a good amount of experience on the frontend and I'm struggling with interviews. I'm in the middle of freelancing contracts, so I have time to do a trial position at companies instead of doing an interview. Does anyone know of any companies that are open to this arrangement or know of any services can that can facilitate this type of agreement?

I know interviewing is a skill, and it's something one can learn, but I'm just curious if there are other ways to get over this hurdle.

5 comments

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evm9
I think it's a possibility if targeting earlier stage companies or startups.

Larger companies are unlikely to make a drastic change in process to suit one or a few candidates, especially considering this idea is something risky from a legal & social perspective.

slap_shot
I'm piloting a new platform where we pay you to write code (in a realistic GitHub repo) and talk (video chat) to an independent engineer about your solution.

Strong candidates complete the exercise in 4 hours and are paid $70 an hour.

If the independent engineer likes what they see, we refer you to the final round of interviews at a hand selected group of companies we think are awesome (competitive salaries/benefits, great products/teams).

Email me at interviewingisbroken@gmail.com if you are in SF/NYC and are interested.

Also shoot me an email if you are interested in being the independent engineer who interviews candidates. It's completely mobile, pays up to $150/hr is a great way to make extra cash, learn new things, and meet new people. We're looking for vast array of specialties, but mostly just really really smart people.

iosdevelprss
I'd love to see some research done on this. Please share any of your findings here
mindhash
Offering a trial position wouldn't help you in negotiation and may reflect a lack of confidence/skills.

I can relate to the trouble that you are going through. I usually volunteer for onsite interview as that helps me present a version of me at work. I communicate like i would while i am in the job. This also helps you adjust yourself by looking at people and environment.

In case you want to put your best forward through work, try researching on company, build a small project around the space and publish in github. take feedback from friends or senior colleagues on this project.

Good luck with your search.

ghysl
Having a poorly paid job is better than not having a job though... especially given the American healthcare system.