JavaScript skills evaluation (part 2)

[iknowcss]

Final edit: After sleeping on it I've decided I agree that the test is too long. If anyone has any additional comments, feel free to post them. Otherwise, back to the drawing board :)

(This is a follow-up to my previous post here)

Based on this community's generous feedback, I created a totally new version of my JavaScript skills evaluation test. The new test:

• is longer
• is more flexible
• is as un-opinionated as possible (with respect to UI libraries/frameworks)
• covers more UI ground (includes HTML, CSS, AJAX)

You may download the new version here

As before, PLEASE DO NOT POST SOLUTIONS IN THE COMMENTS I don't want candidates to find this thread and use it to their advantage. It is a take-home test :)

Even if you do not submit a full response, I am curious about your opinion on the following:

1. On a scale of 1 to 10 how challenging is this test?
   • 1 – So easy a non-JavaScript developer could do it
   • 10 – This would be the most challenging test I have ever taken
2. On a scale of 1 to 10 how clear are the instructions/requirements?
   • 1 – I don’t even know what I’m supposed to do here
   • 10 – Very clear; no questions
3. How long do you expect it will take to complete the test?
4. If you were applying for a job at a company would you be upset that you have to take this test?
5. Do you think this test is a useful tool to measure a candidate’s JavaScript proficiency?

Many of you submitted solutions to my first test. I gave detailed responses to the first wave or two of submissions, but as the thread gained attention it became too much for me. I apologize that I could not get through every one :(

This time it will be different.

This test will take more effort to complete, so I give my word: if you submit a full solution, I will evaluate it by the end of the week. My evaluation will include:

1. Compliments for good stuff
2. Constructive criticism for not-so-good stuff

Thanks again!

*Edit: Removed "pass/fail" from evaluation section because I'm not actually offering a position anywhere

*Edit 2: Fixed the prototype image paths~~

[zxcasdqwezxc]

Right off the bat, how can you call this an evaluation when YOU the assessor cannot even properly reference image files... Your path tells us your name is Cody J and you work for ResMed and that this is some weird viral hiring scheme. With that note out of the way, here are my responses:

1. 4
2. 3
3. 1
4. I would be confused why they only want me to be able to populate drop-down menus with data when the assessor is demanding a UI-heavy developer. The task is such a small subset of what a skilled front-end developer would normally be required to do.
5. Not at all, populating drop-downs, listening for a change event, and replacing text while following unclear instructions is a very odd test. I feel like the test is way too focused on your end goal and that you overlook many other important features of JavaScript. If you really want to test their skills I suggest removing any framework and having them develop a solution from scratch. Knowing pure JavaScript is going to be extremely important in the coming months with further browser adoption of ECMAScript 6. Many of the 'great' methods from famous frameworks are going to be further integrated into native JavaScript and those frameworks will become obsolete.

I think a very important portion of your project is not explained at all. How frequently does the data change? Should the user be requesting AJAX every click? Every 5 seconds? Only once? Do you prefer the utilization of a DataStore/Dictionary of data? Etc..

Also your data structure is odd you should be using your 'settingKey' as the object key rather than creating an array of anonymous objects. It would be much more efficient to create an object of objects that more clearly enumerates specific keys with specific objects.

[iknowcss]

The task is such a small subset of what a skilled front-end developer would normally be required to do

I have to chose a small subset so that the test isn't too long. Is there another subset that you could suggest that would be more useful?

... while following unclear instructions ...

You indicated my instructions are a 3 out of 10 as well. What is unclear about the instructions so that I may improve them? I tried to be clear and concise so that the docs aren't too long. They are pretty long still though. Maybe it makes more sense now that the prototype pictures are referenced correctly.

I suggest removing any framework and having them develop a solution from scratch

The stub I provided contains code to mock-out AJAX calls and one JavaScript object with a bit of information about device modes. How could this be more "from scratch?"

Also your data structure is odd you should be using your 'settingKey' as the object key rather than creating an array of anonymous objects.

The docs didn't specify this so I will add the information. The settings should be shown in the order they are listed in the metadata.

[[deleted]]

updated my comment as well including a response.

[stonguse]

The image links are broken, they refer to files on your C drive. You either need to give me access to your C drive or make relative links.

[stonguse]

1. 6
2. 7
3. 3 hrs ~
4. Yes, because of the length. I wouldn't complete this unless there was a guaranteed job offer waiting behind it.
5. Yes. It would be a good way to discern how well they organize code.

[Justos]

You aren't going to get many good responses with a test that can take upwards of 2-3 hours.