Traditional IT interviews focus on puzzles and memorization. Developers are expected to write code from scratch without the tools they use every day. But this setup doesn’t reflect real engineering work.
Howdy.com’s interview process is built to match how the best developers operate today. Our method evaluates how engineers use AI tools to think, solve, and collaborate.
Here's how to find top-tier developers who use AI effectively, the Howdy way:
Step 1: Allow AI use during interviews
Strong developers know how to work with AI tools. Allowing candidates to use platforms like ChatGPT or Copilot reveals how they think, not just what they know.
During the interview, look for:
- Whether they review and revise the AI output
- Whether they use AI to assist in tasks they already understand
- Whether they can clearly explain what the AI-generated code does
Step 2: Test problem comprehension before code generation
Good developers do not start by asking for code. They start by understanding the problem.
Before evaluating technical output, assess how candidates define the business objective. Ask how they would approach the problem without touching a keyboard. Their ability to clarify scope and surface edge cases is often more revealing than the code itself.
Step 3: Look for strong context management
AI tools only work as well as the context they receive. Skilled candidates take the time to set that context clearly.
Watch for:
- How they explain file structures and existing architecture
- Whether they can summarize relevant documentation or technical constraints
- How well they structure prompts based on system goals
This reflects how they would communicate with both teammates and tools.
Step 4: Focus on how they work, not just what they produce
An effective interview setup includes:
- Timed assessments. Keep technical tasks short and focused to limit outside assistance.
- Live coding with screen sharing. Observe real-time decision-making and thought process.
- Progressive interviews. Use multiple stages to test depth and consistency of thinking.
- System design conversations. Go beyond code to evaluate planning, tradeoffs, and collaboration.
"Strong engineers know that coding isn’t the bottleneck — code review is. The best ones focus on everything that happens before and after the code is written." - Frank Licea, CTO at Howdy.com
This mindset shows up in how candidates manage ambiguity, break down tasks, and communicate clearly under pressure.
Step 5: Evaluate adaptability and long-term value
AI tools change quickly. The strongest candidates are flexible, curious, and thoughtful about how they use technology.
Look for:
- Comfort with ambiguity
- Openness to feedback
- Clear communication of intent and process
- Strategic use of tools to support high-quality output
These are the traits that lead to resilient, future-ready engineering teams.
Howdy’s interview checklist
What to avoid
- Blocking AI tools
- Memorization-heavy tests
- Take-home puzzles
- Quick solutions without context
What to look for
- Allowing smart, guided AI usage
- Interviews that reveal decision-making
- Live collaboration and technical discussions
- Clear framing and thoughtful integration
AI tools change how engineers work, but not what makes them great. The real test is how candidates think, communicate, and solve problems using the resources available to them. That is what our process is designed to reveal.
Need help hiring engineers who are already fluent in AI workflows? Howdy can help. Book a demo to get started.