The hiring landscape is evolving—fast. Traditional written tests and memory-based assessments are making way for more dynamic, skill-focused evaluations. With the rise of hackathons, coding challenges, and computer-based assessments, today’s job seekers are no longer just answering theoretical questions—they’re solving real problems.
For students and job aspirants, particularly in the tech and engineering fields, understanding this shift is crucial to staying ahead of the curve. Here’s a closer look at how hiring processes are changing and what you need to do to keep up.
The Traditional Approach: Pen, Paper & Theory
Until a few years ago, hiring processes, especially for campus placements, looked very similar across companies. Candidates were typically given:
- Aptitude tests on paper
- Theory-heavy technical questions
- Memory-based MCQs
- Group discussions
- HR interviews with rehearsed answers
While this system was effective in filtering large groups quickly, it rarely accurately reflected how candidates would actually perform on the job. It tested what you remembered, not what you could do.
The Shift: From Theoretical to Practical
With changing industry demands, companies started asking a crucial question: Why assess candidates on things they can Google, when we can test what they can build?
This led to the rise of hackathons, coding contests, and computer-based testing (CBT) as more authentic ways to evaluate skills.
Hackathons: The New Resume
Hackathons are fast becoming a key part of the hiring pipeline, especially for roles in software development, data science, UX/UI, and even product management. Companies like Amazon, Google, Microsoft, and many startups host or sponsor coding contests to spot real talent early on.
Why are hackathons so popular?
- Real-world problem solving: Candidates build working prototypes or solve case studies that reflect actual business problems.
- Team collaboration: Recruiters can assess how well someone works in a team—something you can’t measure on a paper test.
- Innovation under pressure: Hackathons simulate real project timelines, encouraging creative thinking and quick decision-making.
“My hackathon project landed me an interview at a company I’d never even applied to,” says Aayushi, a final-year student. “They saw my work, liked the idea, and reached out themselves.”
CBTs: Smart, Scalable, and Secure
Another major shift is the use of computer-based tests (CBTs) instead of traditional pen-and-paper exams. These are widely used not just in campus placements, but also in competitive hiring by major companies.
Why CBTs are preferred:
- Security & integrity: They prevent malpractice through proctoring tools and timed environments.
- Customizability: Questions can be tailored to specific roles or technologies.
- Speed & convenience: Results are instant, reducing hiring timelines.
- Companies use platforms like HackerRank, Codility, Mettl, and even in-house tools to screen candidates based on real technical abilities.
What This Means for Students & Job Seekers
As the focus shifts from memory to mastery, candidates need to evolve their preparation strategy. Here’s what matters now:
- Practice coding on platforms like LeetCode, Codeforces, HackerRank
- Participate in hackathons regularly—even if you don’t win, you learn a lot
- Work on live projects and build a portfolio (GitHub is your best friend)
- Develop soft skills like communication, teamwork, and presentation
- Stay updated on hiring trends—follow companies and recruitment platforms
Why Companies Prefer This Shift
The change in hiring isn’t just for trend’s sake—it makes business sense. Companies want:
- People who can start contributing from day one
- Problem-solvers, not just theory experts
- Employees who can learn, adapt, and innovate
- By organizing hiring challenges, ideathons, and hackathons, they’re able to recruit smarter, faster, and more effectively than before.
GLA University’s Role in This Transition
Institutions like GLA University have already taken the lead by integrating codeathons and project-based learning into their assessments, preparing students for the exact kind of hiring processes they’ll face. By replacing traditional exams with collaborative coding tests and open-book challenges, GLA ensures students are industry-ready from day one.
Conclusion: Adapt, Evolve, and Get Ready
The hiring process is no longer just about who scores the most on a theory paper—it’s about who can solve problems, work in teams, and adapt to real-life challenges.
If you’re preparing for placements or job opportunities, it’s time to move beyond rote learning and focus on real-world readiness. Join hackathons, build projects, and keep practicing—because the future of hiring is here, and it’s all about what you can do, not just what you know.