Why should you use a Bash test?
Commonly, programmers and developers are expected to have a degree in computer science, information technology, or similar - and some job descriptions will also ask for a specific amount of experience too. However, gauging the level of ability that a candidate has in applying the knowledge that they have gained in education can be tricky with just the basic screening process.
A candidate might say that they are proficient with Bash, but when there are several similarly qualified candidates that have made it through the initial sifting against the degree and experience criteria, extra steps in the recruitment funnel can ensure that only the best are taken through to interview.
In the Bash test, the candidates are given questions relating to custom scripting and shells, as well as to test their understanding of command-line tools. They will also be given an opportunity to show that they can design and deploy custom scripts, perform troubleshooting and debugging, and provide end-user support with processes for documenting the code that they are using.
This test might also be useful for:
For the candidate, the test is simple to access and straightforward - a link is sent via email and the candidate will complete the test at home in their own time. Every candidate has the opportunity to answer the same number of questions within the same time limit - so they can demonstrate that they have what it takes to be successful.
For the recruiter, the Bash test can be administered to a large number of applicants at the same time, and the parity between test takers means that the results are unbiased and quantifiable. Recruiters receive a full report about each candidate and their results. The applicants who score the highest will be the ones that should be chosen to move forward in the recruitment process.