Zero-Interview Hiring (Work Samples Only via Chat)

Format:

1. No video calls. No phone screens. No in-person meetings.
2. Entire process happens via typed Slack/chat messages
3. Candidate completes 3-4 work-sample challenges:
   • Write a technical tutorial on [topic]
   • Debug a code sample and explain the fix
   • Design an API improvement and document it
   • Create a community engagement strategy (1-page)
4. All communication is async. Candidate works at their own pace.
5. Decision made purely on work quality.

Time: 1-2 weeks (at candidate's pace)

What to look for:

• Writing quality (since there's no verbal communication, writing IS communication)
• Technical depth
• Self-direction (no one is guiding them through the process)
• Async communication skills (critical for remote DevRel)

Why it works: Eliminates bias from appearance, accent, charisma, and interview anxiety. Fly.io pays the same salary worldwide at each level. Hires people who would never survive a traditional interview but are brilliant at the actual job.

Adaptation: Radical approach. Best suited for remote-first companies. May not work for roles requiring strong in-person presentation skills.