Live coding interviews can be awkward for everyone involved. Here's how to conduct them effectively and fairly, so you get accurate signal on candidates while giving them a good experience.
01 Step-by-Step Guide
Prepare Before the Interview
Good preparation makes everything easier:
- Choose your tool: Set up PlayCode, CoderPad, or your preferred platform
- Prepare the problem: Have the question ready. Test it yourself first
- Know the solution: You should be able to solve it in multiple ways
- Set up the environment: Pre-load any starter code or templates
- Check your setup: Test audio, video, and screen sharing
Pro tip: Create a shareable link before the interview starts so you're not fumbling during introductions.
Start with Introductions (5 min)
The first few minutes set the tone:
- Introduce yourself: Your name, role, how long you've been at the company
- Explain the format: "We'll spend about 40 minutes coding together, then 10 minutes for your questions"
- Set expectations: "I want to see how you think, not just the final answer"
- Make them comfortable: "Feel free to ask questions anytime"
Pro tip: A relaxed candidate performs better. Your job is to see their best, not stress them out.
Present the Problem Clearly (5 min)
How you present the problem matters:
- Explain verbally first: Describe the problem in plain language
- Provide examples: Show 2-3 input/output examples
- Clarify constraints: Input size, edge cases, time/space requirements
- Ask if they have questions: Before they start coding
- Let them think: Give them a minute to process
Pro tip: Paste the problem description in the editor so they can reference it.
Observe and Guide (30-40 min)
This is the core of the interview:
- Watch their process: How do they approach the problem?
- Listen to their thinking: Encourage them to think out loud
- Ask clarifying questions: "Why did you choose that approach?"
- Provide hints if stuck: After 5-10 minutes of struggling
- Note how they debug: Do they use console.log? Check edge cases?
Pro tip: Silence is okay. Let them think. Don't fill every pause with hints.
Discuss and Wrap Up (10-15 min)
The discussion reveals as much as the code:
- Review the solution: "Walk me through what you wrote"
- Ask about trade-offs: "How would you optimize this?"
- Discuss alternatives: "What other approaches considered?"
- Time for their questions: This shows their interest and preparation
- End positively: Thank them for their time
Pro tip: Don't give feedback on their performance. Save that for the hiring decision.
02 What to Evaluate
Don't just focus on whether they solved the problem. Here's what actually matters:
Problem-Solving Approach
HighDo they break down the problem? Ask clarifying questions? Plan before coding?
Code Quality
HighIs the code readable? Well-structured? Uses good naming conventions?
Communication
HighCan they explain their thinking? Do they ask questions when confused?
Debugging Skills
MediumHow do they handle errors? Do they test edge cases?
Response to Feedback
MediumHow do they react to hints? Are they coachable?
Final Solution
MediumDoes the code work? Is it optimal? Handles edge cases?
03 Common Mistakes
Not preparing the problem
Scrambling to find a question during the interview wastes time and looks unprofessional.
Giving hints too early
Let them struggle a bit. How they handle being stuck is valuable information.
Not giving hints at all
If they're stuck for 10+ minutes, help them. You're evaluating skill, not watching them suffer.
Focusing only on the solution
The process matters more. A perfect solution with no explanation tells you nothing.
Making it adversarial
You're on the same team. Help them succeed so you can evaluate their best work.
Skipping candidate questions
They're interviewing you too. Make time for their questions about the role and team.
04 Recommended Tools
CoderPad
Enterprise option. 30+ languages. Built-in video.
VS Code Live Share
Free option. Requires both parties have VS Code installed.
05 FAQ
How long should a live coding interview be?
45-60 minutes is ideal. This gives 5-10 minutes for intro, 30-40 minutes for coding, and 10-15 minutes for discussion and candidate questions. Shorter interviews don't give enough signal.
Should I help candidates when they're stuck?
Yes, provide hints after they've struggled for a reasonable time (5-10 minutes). How they respond to hints tells you about their coachability and communication skills. A great candidate + a hint often produces better signal than watching them fail.
What if they can't solve the problem?
That's okay. Evaluate their approach, communication, and how they handled being stuck. Some great developers have off days. If they showed strong problem-solving thinking but ran out of time, that might still be a pass.
Should I ask LeetCode-style algorithm questions?
It depends on the role. For most web development positions, practical questions (build a feature, debug code, refactor) are more relevant than algorithmic puzzles. Save algorithm questions for roles that actually need them.
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