DEV Community: Elman Huseynov

Revolutionize the Software Engineering Hiring Process

Elman Huseynov — Thu, 10 Oct 2024 22:11:19 +0000

Why it's time to move beyond outdated practices and embrace a more effective approach.

If you've been on either side of the software engineering hiring process lately, you might have noticed a disconnect. Candidates are jumping through hoops, solving abstract algorithm puzzles, and enduring marathon interview sessions—all for roles that seldom require those specific skills in day-to-day work. As someone who's participated in over 100 interviews, I've experienced firsthand how these practices can hinder both candidates and companies.

The Problem with the Current Process

The LeetCode Obsession is far from the real world
Subjective System Design Interviews
Interview Overload

A New Approach to Hiring

The traditional hiring process needs an overhaul. Here’s a proposed streamlined approach that emphasizes relevance, fairness, and efficiency, and embraces modern tools like AI.

1. Initial Screening Interview (30-45 minutes)

Purpose: Assess fundamental qualifications and cultural fit.

Approach: A conversational interview focusing on the candidate's experience, motivations, and understanding of the role. This sets the stage and ensures alignment from the get-go.

2. Combined Technical Assessment with AI Integration (1.5-2 hours max)

Purpose: Evaluate practical coding skills, problem-solving abilities, and proficiency in leveraging AI tools.

Approach:

Live Coding Session with AI Utilization (1 hour): Instead of abstract puzzles, present a practical problem related to the role. Encourage candidates to use AI tools like code assistants or documentation search to simulate a real working environment. This assesses not just their coding skills but also their ability to effectively use AI to enhance productivity and code quality.

3. Technical Deep-Dive (30 minutes):
Discuss past projects or challenges, including how they've incorporated AI or automation tools in their workflow. This reveals their adaptability and forward-thinking approach in a rapidly evolving tech landscape.

Benefits: This method reduces bias by observing real-time performance and focuses on skills that directly impact job effectiveness. Emphasizing AI proficiency acknowledges the modern developer's toolkit and rewards candidates who stay current with industry advancements.

4. Improved System Design and Architecture Interview (1 hour)

Purpose: Assess the ability to design scalable and efficient systems.

Approach: Provide a standardized design problem relevant to the role with clear objectives and constraints. Evaluate based on predefined criteria like scalability, reliability, and simplicity.

Benefits: Standardization reduces subjectivity, ensuring all candidates are assessed equally.

5. Behavioral and Cultural Fit Interview (30-45 minutes)

Purpose: Determine alignment with company values and team dynamics.

Approach: Use structured behavioral questions to explore past experiences, teamwork, and conflict resolution. This ensures the candidate will thrive within the company's culture.

Optional: Final Discussion with Key Stakeholders (30 minutes)

Purpose: Offer both parties a chance for final questions and to solidify mutual interest.

Approach: An informal conversation with potential team members or leadership to discuss expectations and provide deeper insights into the company's vision.

Why Incorporate AI Skills?

Real-World Relevance: Modern software development increasingly relies on AI-powered tools for code completion, debugging, and optimization. Testing candidates on their ability to effectively use these tools reflects the actual working environment.
Enhanced Productivity: Developers who can leverage AI tools efficiently are often more productive and can deliver higher-quality code in less time.
Innovation Mindset: Embracing AI demonstrates a candidate's willingness to adopt new technologies and continuously improve their skill set.

Why This Overall Approach Works

Efficiency: Reduces the number of interviews, saving time for both candidates and companies.
Relevance: Focuses on real-world skills over abstract challenges, including the use of AI tools that are becoming standard in the industry.
Fairness: Standardized assessments minimize bias and subjectivity.
Candidate Experience: Creates a more engaging and less daunting process, improving the company's reputation among applicants.

Call to Action

It's time for hiring managers, recruiters, and tech leaders to re-evaluate and modernize the software engineering hiring process. By adopting a streamlined approach that includes assessing AI proficiency:

Companies will attract and secure top talent more effectively.
Candidates will have a fair opportunity to showcase their true abilities and modern skill sets.
The industry will benefit from teams better equipped to tackle real-world challenges with the latest tools.

Let's break the code of outdated hiring practices and build a process that reflects the dynamic, practical, and innovative nature of software engineering today. Embracing AI in our assessments is not just forward-thinking—it's essential.

Join the conversation: What are your thoughts on integrating AI proficiency into the hiring process? Have you experienced similar challenges or seen effective alternatives? Let's talk about how we can improve together.

Fastest way to improve vocabulary

Elman Huseynov — Tue, 30 Jul 2024 11:16:21 +0000

24 hours is not much time. You have to do a lots of things and prioritize them to use your time effectively. When it comes to learning a new language, it takes time, patience and focus.
But what if I say you can learn at least 1000 new words per week without focusing on the learning process specifically? Are you tired of the traditional language learning apps that require dedicated time slots and intense focus? Do you want to learn a new language for example watching Youtube? Say hello to Vocabulary Booster, a revolutionary desktop application designed to integrate vocabulary building into your daily routine seamlessly.

Overview

Vocabulary Booster helps you continuously expand your vocabulary in a highly effective manner. Unlike most language apps, it doesn't require you to set aside specific time slots or concentrate solely on the app. Instead, it effortlessly integrates into your everyday activities, allowing you to learn new words while you engage in other tasks.

Key Features 💡

Effortless Learning: Acquire new words without disrupting your routine. 📚
Multitasking Friendly: Perfect for use while watching YouTube, writing code, or performing any other activity. 🎥💻
Multiple Backgrounds: Enjoy learning with a sleek, eye-friendly dark mode. 🌙
Mode Selection: Choose between displaying words in a window, in the menu bar, or enabling sound mode for auditory learning. 🔄🔊
Enhanced Language Selection: Select the language you want to learn and the language you are learning from. 🌐
Custom Dictionaries: Import custom dictionaries from text files and manage them easily within the app. 📂

How It Works 🛠️

Watching YouTube? 🎥
Open the app, choose your target language, and position the app window over your browser. Every 5 seconds, a new word with its translation will appear, enhancing your vocabulary while you enjoy your favorite videos.
Writing Code? 💻
Open the app, select your target language, and place the app window over your coding environment. Every 5 seconds, a new word with its translation will pop up, seamlessly blending learning with your coding workflow.
Want to Learn by Listening? 🔊
Enable the "Sound" mode from the menu. The app will pronounce each new word and its translation, aiding your learning through auditory reinforcement.

Ready to take your language learning to the next level? Is this even a question? Check out Github Repository and Download Vocabulary Booster for free now and start learning effortlessly!

Boost Your Vocabulary Effortlessly with Vocabulary Booster 🎓🚀

Elman Huseynov — Mon, 08 Jul 2024 22:29:29 +0000

Boost Your Vocabulary Effortlessly with Vocabulary Booster 🎓🚀

Hey dev.to community! 🌟

I am excited to introduce Vocabulary Booster, a desktop application designed to help you expand your vocabulary effortlessly. Unlike most language apps that demand dedicated time slots and undivided attention, Vocabulary Booster integrates seamlessly into your daily routine, allowing you to learn new words while you continue with other activities.

Why Vocabulary Booster? 💡

Effortless Learning: No need to disrupt your routine. Learn new words while watching YouTube, writing code, or any other activity.
Multitasking Friendly: The app works perfectly in the background, ensuring you can keep up with your daily tasks.
Multiple Backgrounds: Enjoy a sleek, eye-friendly dark mode.
Mode Selection: Display words in a window, in the menu bar, or use sound mode for auditory learning.
Enhanced Language Selection: Choose your target language and the language you are learning from.

How It Works 🛠️

Watching YouTube? 🎥 Open the app, choose your target language, and position the app window over your browser. Every 5 seconds, a new word with its translation will appear.
Writing Code? 💻 Open the app, choose your target language, and place the app window over your coding environment. Every 5 seconds, you'll see a new word with its translation.
Want to Learn by Listening? 🔊 Enable the "Sound" mode from the menu. The app will pronounce each new word and its translation, helping you learn through auditory reinforcement.

Check out our VIDEO DEMO HERE🌟 to see the app in action.
Support Us ❤️

If you find Vocabulary Booster helpful and would like to support its development, please star and share the project. Your contributions will help us maintain and improve the application.

Boost your vocabulary effortlessly with Vocabulary Booster today! 😊🎉

Is the tech interview process broken? 🚨

Elman Huseynov — Mon, 20 May 2024 13:26:46 +0000

Is the tech interview process broken? 🚨

Lately, I've noticed a troubling trend in the tech hiring landscape. Companies are ramping up their interview demands, subjecting candidates to 6-10 rounds, and presenting complex coding challenges that barely reflect the actual job. Despite assurances that "it's the thought process that counts," many find that anything short of perfection can disqualify them—a standard so high, even AI might not solve them!

But the hurdles don't end there. Even the best performers are getting undercut on salary offers, with companies citing an overcrowded market due to layoffs. And if you're not chosen? Written feedback is a rare gem, as firms shy away from giving written critiques that could be "misinterpreted."

In the end, I keep seeing the same jobs posted online for months. Doesn’t look like this system is working, does it?

Let's Build a Unique Tech YouTube Channel Together - Share Your Ideas and Be Part of the Journey!

Elman Huseynov — Mon, 22 Apr 2024 14:32:43 +0000

Introduction

Are you passionate about technology and love discovering new content? Join me as we create a one-of-a-kind Tech YouTube channel tailored by the tech community, for the tech community! Your insights are not only welcomed but essential.

Why Your Voice Matters

In a world brimming with tech gurus and content creators, your unique perspective is what can make the difference between another tech channel and a community-driven success. That’s where you come in!

Who I Am

With eight years under my belt as a Software Engineer, I've journeyed from rookie to seasoned pro, tackling job interviews, working across diverse environments, and relocating internationally for my dream job. I'm ready to share these insights and more, but more importantly, I want to learn from you to ensure we cover what truly matters.

What I'm Thinking - And What Do You Think?

I’m considering a mix of content styles and subjects. What resonates with you the most, or what do you feel is missing from the tech community online?

Job Interviews in Tech: Tips and real-life stories to help you succeed.
Daily Tech Vlogs: A peek into the day-to-day of a software engineer.
Launching Tech Products: From concept to market—lessons and guides.
Educational Content: Deep dives into complex topics made accessible.
Tech Podcasts: Discussions with industry experts and insiders.
Unboxing and Reviews: The latest gadgets, unboxed and reviewed.

How to Get Involved

Drop your suggestions in the comments, or reach out directly via Twitter or LinkedIn. Don’t forget to subscribe to my YouTube channel for updates and hopefully, content that strikes a chord with you. Let's make tech content that's as dynamic and diverse as the community around it!

Conclusion

Your feedback is the cornerstone of this project. Help shape a channel that not only interests you but also provides real value to the tech community. Together, let's make something incredible!

This revised version aims to be more direct and engaging, emphasizing community involvement and the importance of each reader's voice in shaping the channel. It also clarifies the kinds of content and asks directly for the reader's preferences and ideas.

It is time to change the technical interview process

Elman Huseynov — Thu, 11 Apr 2024 11:43:39 +0000

Let’s talk about something many of us have experienced but not often discussed openly. Have you ever wondered why so many technical interviews focus heavily on data structures and algorithms (DSA)? Especially when, more often than not, these aren’t skills we use daily in our jobs. It’s like training for a marathon but then only ever needing to sprint!

Many of us spend weeks or even months on platforms like Leetcode, honing our DSA skills, just to clear the technical rounds. Sometimes, it feels like hitting the jackpot when a familiar question pops up. But what if it doesn’t? Is it fair to judge someone’s entire engineering capability on this alone?

It’s a bit of an open secret that even if you ace these questions and land the job, the bulk of what you’ve learned is forgotten within a month. The irony? You won’t need to write a single algorithm from scratch most of the time at your job, at least until the next job hunt begins. It’s a cycle that feels endless and, frankly, a bit pointless.

Behind closed doors, many agree that this system isn’t the best measure of a candidate’s ability, yet alternatives seem scarce. Testing technical skills is essential, yes, but does it have to be this way? Especially considering the vast resources, ready-made solutions, and the assistance of AI, reinventing the wheel each time seems… outdated.

So, what’s the alternative? I believe the answer varies by job role but leans towards real-world problem-solving. Imagine being tested on actual challenges you’d face in the job, tailored to front-end, back-end, or full-stack roles.
Wouldn’t that give a clearer picture of how a candidate tackles relevant tasks?
I’m keen to hear your thoughts on this. Do you think the current system needs a revamp?

Have ideas on how to improve the interview process? Feel free to share your opinions in the comments or message me directly. Let’s brainstorm ways to make technical hiring more meaningful and less of a memory test.

Fast Connect - Make a fast video call without registration

Elman Huseynov — Tue, 07 Jun 2022 10:20:26 +0000

COVID-19 Changed the world...

Since the year 2020 world is different. The majority of people change the way of workflow from Office to Remote mode.
We are required to use different enterprise applications to create communication between each other.
Each of them has its own advantages, but in most cases, you have to register or download the application to use it.
Besides, you have to pay for "Premium" accounts sometimes if you want to have extra options.
Moreover, in some countries, you can not use that popular software, because they have been blocked.

So this is the time when Fast Connect comes around...

By using our application you DO NOT NEED to download anything to your device or pay for anything.
You can create a new conference and use all features for ABSOLUTELY FREE and without registration ;)

All you have to do is to take 2 steps:

Create a unique ID for the conference, send it to all your colleagues.
Enter that ID on the homepage and start your conference.

Github

Demo

My Linkedin profile

Application features:

No registration and NO "PREMIUM" accounts
Realtime video/audio conference with unlimited number of users
Different rooms creating an option for conversations
Chat for sending messages
Screen Sharing option

Technologies that used in the creation of this app:

React JS
TypeScript
Material UI
Node / Express js
Socket IO
Peer JS

Like it ? Please star the project and share in return ;)

Realtime express chat in 2021

Elman Huseynov — Thu, 22 Jul 2021 18:29:04 +0000

Did you like realtime chat, messengers? Are you using such platforms as Skype, Zoom, or Slack? Would you like to have a similar application written on Javascript / React js?
Then this application is for you!

Capabilities

Your conversation will not be saved in any database and will be deleted once you exit the chat or just refresh the page.
An option to Create / Update / Delete General and Password protected rooms
Administrators can ban a user
Sending Emojis

Links

Github Repo
My Linkedin
Demo

Like it? Please star the project and share it in return ;)

Best React JS Covid19 Tracker ever!

Elman Huseynov — Tue, 23 Jun 2020 18:16:17 +0000

Hi everyone. I want to introduce my first COVID19 Tracker based on React JS. I watched the video on youtube, where it was shown how to build it, and build my own one. Due to respect to the video author, I will post the link of the video at the end of the article as well =)
My version consists of simple code, global, worldwide, and single country statistics. As it is my first published application, I' will be waiting for your feedback, will be happy for github stars of the project, that will motivate me to share my other interesting applications.

Video tutorial: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=khJlrj3Y6Ls&t=84s
My Code demo: https://huseyn0w-covid-tracker.herokuapp.com/
Github Repository: https://github.com/huseyn0w/Covid19-Tracker

Thanks.