How I Interview

Randall Koutnik challenges traditional technical interview practices by proposing a candidate evaluation method that authentically mirrors real-world work conditions, focusing on candidates' problem-solving abilities in a low-stress, resource-enabled environment. By using a Minesweeper coding challenge that allows full internet access, comfortable tools, and minimal pressure, the article offers engineering leaders a nuanced approach to identifying genuine programming talent beyond algorithmic trivia and whiteboard gymnastics. The piece provides a practical blueprint for interviews that assess a candidate's actual workplace potential by creating conditions that enable developers to demonstrate their true capabilities.