What comes under technical assessment?

A technical assessment typically includes a range of tasks designed to evaluate a candidate’s technical skills, knowledge, and problem-solving abilities specific to the role they’re applying for. Here’s what usually comes under a technical assessment:

1. Coding Challenges

• Objective: Assess programming proficiency, coding speed, and problem-solving ability.
• Types of Questions: Algorithm and data structure problems (e.g., sorting, searching, recursion), language-specific syntax tests, and logic-based questions.
• Tools Used: Platforms like HackerRank, LeetCode, CodeSignal, or Codility.

2. System Design Questions

• Objective: Evaluate understanding of designing scalable, efficient, and maintainable systems.
• Types of Tasks: Designing architectures for applications (e.g., social media platforms, e-commerce sites, or real-time chat applications).
• Skills Assessed: Knowledge of components like databases, load balancers, caching, APIs, and overall system architecture.

3. Debugging and Code Review

• Objective: Test ability to identify and fix errors, optimize code, and understand code quality standards.
• Tasks: Finding bugs, optimizing code for efficiency, or reviewing an existing codebase for improvements.
• Skills Assessed: Familiarity with debugging tools, error identification, and refactoring techniques.

4. Practical Application or Project-Based Tests

• Objective: Assess hands-on abilities and see how candidates approach real-world scenarios.
• Types of Tasks: Building a small project or feature (e.g., creating an API endpoint, implementing a front-end feature, or data analysis).
• Skills Assessed: Application of technical skills in a practical context, creativity, and attention to detail.

5. Technical Knowledge Quizzes

• Objective: Evaluate theoretical knowledge of specific technologies, tools, and practices.
• Topics Covered: Language-specific questions, software development lifecycle (SDLC), operating systems, networking, databases, and security fundamentals.

6. Database and Query Writing

• Objective: Assess ability to manage and interact with databases.
• Types of Tasks: Writing SQL queries, designing tables, optimizing queries, or managing database schemas.
• Skills Assessed: Proficiency in SQL or NoSQL databases, data modeling, and understanding of relational and non-relational data.

7. DevOps and Cloud Skills (If Relevant)

• Objective: Evaluate knowledge in deployment, automation, and cloud-based infrastructure.
• Types of Tasks: Setting up CI/CD pipelines, managing containers (Docker), or configuring cloud resources (AWS, Azure).
• Skills Assessed: Familiarity with DevOps tools, containerization, cloud platforms, and automation practices.

8. Behavioral and Technical Interviews

• Objective: Assess technical communication, problem-solving in real time, and ability to explain solutions.
• Types of Questions: Whiteboard coding, live coding exercises, and system design discussions.

9. Soft Skills (Optional)

While not always the primary focus, some technical assessments may also evaluate soft skills, like communication, teamwork, and adaptability, especially for roles involving collaboration.

In summary, a technical assessment can cover a variety of areas like coding, system design, debugging, project-based tasks, technical knowledge quizzes, database management, and DevOps/cloud tasks, all geared toward testing both foundational and job-specific technical competencies.