The role of peer reviews in technical interviews

Jan 03, 2025 · 2 min read

Peer reviews play a crucial role in technical interviews as they provide a comprehensive evaluation of a candidate's skills and abilities from multiple perspectives. In a technical interview, candidates are typically asked to solve complex problems, write code, and demonstrate their problem-solving abilities. While the interviewer may have a good understanding of the technical requirements of the job, they may not always have the expertise to accurately assess the candidate's performance.

This is where peer reviews come in. By involving multiple team members in the evaluation process, companies can get a more well-rounded view of the candidate's skills and potential fit for the role. Peer reviews allow for a more objective evaluation of the candidate's technical abilities, as different team members may have different areas of expertise and can provide valuable insights that the interviewer may have missed.

Additionally, peer reviews can help to identify any biases or blind spots that the interviewer may have. By involving multiple team members in the evaluation process, companies can ensure that the candidate is being evaluated fairly and impartially. This can help to prevent any unconscious biases from influencing the hiring decision and ensure that the best candidate is selected for the role.

Furthermore, peer reviews can also help to assess the candidate's ability to work well with others and collaborate effectively within a team. Technical skills are important, but so too are soft skills such as communication, teamwork, and problem-solving. By involving multiple team members in the evaluation process, companies can get a better sense of how the candidate interacts with others and whether they would be a good fit for the team.

Overall, peer reviews play a vital role in technical interviews by providing a more comprehensive and objective evaluation of the candidate's skills and abilities. By involving multiple team members in the evaluation process, companies can ensure that the best candidate is selected for the role and that any biases or blind spots are identified and addressed. Peer reviews help to create a more fair and inclusive hiring process, ultimately leading to better hiring decisions and stronger, more diverse teams.