How to Spot Real Problem-Solvers in the Age of Vibe Coding

AI-assisted coding tools have changed the rules of the tech hiring game. Algorithms that once set the gold standard for testing coding chops have become playgrounds for AI to shine—sometimes too easily.

At Get on Board, we know a true software pro brings more than the ability to churn out code—they bring creativity, communication, and a knack for real-world problem-solving that machines still struggle to replicate.

🧩 What real problem-solving looks like beyond the code

Traditional coding tests measure if someone can optimize or reproduce an algorithm. Useful, sure, but it barely scratches the surface.

• Creativity: Crafting solutions that don’t just fit a mold but think outside it.
• Contextual insight: Reading between the lines of business needs and user pain points before writing a single line of code.
• Collaboration: Translating ideas across teams, iterating on feedback, and adapting on the fly.

Screening that focuses solely on code snippets misses the bigger picture.

🛠️ How to find candidates who solve problems, not just code them

Here’s how we approach it:

• Scenario-driven assessments: Throw real workplace puzzles at candidates. Ask them to walk you through their thinking and consider multiple angles.
• Pair programming sessions: Code together live. Watch how they communicate, pivot, and solve under pressure.
• Ask for trade-offs: Why this solution? What did they sacrifice? This reveals their grasp of performance, readability, and maintenance.
• Cross-team conversations: Chat about product impact or UX. See if they think beyond "Did it work?" and care about how it matters.
• Use multi-dimensional tech tools: Platforms that let you slice and dice candidate data help you catch those nuanced skills traditional tests overlook.

Real problem-solving is about weaving creativity, context, and communication into code—not just writing it.

We also can't ignore regional flavors. Latin America's unique tech challenges—like varied user bases and infrastructure quirks—call for adaptable minds who excel at working through ambiguity.

As AI grows smarter, recruiters have to get smarter too. That means mixing classic evaluation with fresh tactics to spot the candidates who add genuine human value.

If you're tired of wading through AI-generated code and want to see real problem solvers in action, Get on Board’s marketplace offers a robust talent pool—over a million tech pros—and tools to zero in on exceptional candidates faster.

Check out Get on Board’s talent marketplace and find developers who bring depth, not just lines of code.