So... I just failed an interview because I didn't finish the HackerRank challenge in time. I'm annoyed that I couldn't complete it, but I'm more frustrated by how robotic the process was...

When I've interviewed candidates, I focus on their problem-solving skills not their speed. If someone is focusing too much on one problem, I’ll encourage them by saying, ”I think you got close enough. Why don't we try the next one.” After all, I want the candidate to see that were a company that embodies forgiveness and iterative learning. But you don’t get any compassion from an automated email sending you to HackerRank.

So what does that say about the company that relies on this impersonal processes? Should companies even use timed coding challenges? Or are they necessary for certain types of high-pressure companies?