Understanding the Flaws in Web Development Interviews in 2025: Challenges and Opportunities
The landscape of web development hiring remains complex and often problematic, even in 2025. Despite advancements in technology and evolving industry standards, the interview process continues to face significant shortcomings that hinder both employers and candidates. In this article, we explore current issues, reflect on personal and collective experiences, and consider potential solutions to improve the quality and fairness of web development interviews.
Persistent Challenges in Web Development Hiring
- Relevancy of Technical Questions
Many interviewers still rely on traditional technical questions that focus on fundamental networking concepts, such as explaining what occurs when typing “google.com” into a browser. While understanding such processes showcases foundational knowledge, their direct applicability to daily development tasks—like debugging React components or handling race conditions—is limited. Candidates often find these questions disconnected from the practical challenges they face on the job, reducing the interview’s effectiveness in assessing real-world skills.
- Inefficient and Time-Consuming Assessments
Candidates frequently encounter take-home assignments demanding extensive hours—sometimes up to 15 hours—to complete. While these tasks aim to evaluate problem-solving abilities, they often impose a disproportionate burden and may not accurately reflect daily responsibilities. Additionally, some candidates are subjected to irrelevant coding challenges, such as solving complex algorithmic problems (e.g., LeetCode), which rarely mirror the competencies required in routine web development.
- The Impact of Artificial Intelligence in Interviews
A growing concern is the potential misuse of AI tools, including advanced language models, during the hiring process. Candidates sometimes rely heavily on AI-generated answers during initial assessments, making it difficult for interviewers to discern true expertise. Even more troubling, during live interviews, candidates may use AI assistance to produce perfect responses and then struggle to explain their code—indicating a superficial understanding or reliance on external tools.
- Difficulty in Crafting Effective Interview Questions
Interviewers often grapple with designing questions that accurately evaluate the practical skills needed for the job. Typical scenarios involve troubleshooting cross-browser CSS issues or integrating external libraries—tasks that are more suited to practical assessments than abstract problem-solving questions. Finding a balance between testing theoretical knowledge and practical competency remains an ongoing challenge.
Innovative Approaches and Potential Solutions
Some companies have experimented with alternative onboarding processes, such as two-week trial periods where candidates collaborate with existing teams on real tasks. While effective in gauging practical skills, these approaches require significant time and resource investment.
Potential strategies to enhance web development
