What Is Technical Screening?
Technical screening is the first structured evaluation of a candidate's engineering skills. It uses tools such as code tests, take-home tasks, technical questions or a short call with an engineer.
A good technical screening filters out candidates who do not meet the bar early, so your team spends interview time only on people who can do the job.
What are the stages of technical screening?
A common sequence
- Resume and portfolio review against the role requirements
- Short intro call to confirm experience and expectations
- Skills assessment, such as an online test or take-home task
- Technical screening interview with an engineer
- Final interviews and team fit
What does a technical screening interview cover?
- Experience with the languages and tools in the role
- Problem-solving and reasoning, often with a short exercise
- Discussion of past projects and technical decisions
- Communication and ability to explain trade-offs
The interview is usually 30 to 60 minutes and led by an engineer rather than a recruiter.
What are the best practices?
- Use the same criteria and questions for every candidate
- Match the assessment to the real work of the role
- Keep tasks short and respectful of candidate time
- Give clear feedback and next steps
What is candidate vetting and background checking?
Candidate vetting confirms that skills, experience and identity match what the person claims. It can include reference checks, employment verification and background checks, depending on the role and local law.
Technical screening and vetting work together. One checks what a candidate can do, the other checks that the information they provided is accurate. Background checks must follow local privacy and employment rules.
Want pre-vetted engineers in Latin America? Talk to Lupa Hire about how candidates are screened.
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