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Why we picked it The paid trial task is the single most honest way to judge a developer when you cannot read their code yourself, and this piece lays out exactly how to run one. It uses Linear's real process (a short scoped project, then a clear yes-or-no call) so you have a concrete template instead of vague advice. Treat it as a starting point you adapt to your own product, not a rigid script.
Try Before You Hire: The Work Trial
From Failory by Nicolas Cerdeira ~10 min read
- A short paid trial on a real, scoped task tells you more than any number of interviews, because you watch how someone actually ships and takes feedback.
- Pay a fair rate for the trial: you are testing them and they are testing you, and paying keeps good people willing to do it.
- Decide with a clear bar (strong yes or no). Anything lukewarm is a no, which protects you from a hire you cannot technically evaluate later.