Hire for real-world impact, not abstract puzzles
Codility is a well-regarded platform built on a foundation of "assessment science", designed to test a candidate's knowledge of computer science fundamentals and algorithms. It's a powerful tool for filtering candidates based on a specific, academic skillset.
But modern software engineering is more than just algorithms. It's about practical problem-solving, communication, and making trade-offs. Niju is built for this reality. We go beyond abstract puzzles to assess how a candidate actually thinks and works, giving you a far more predictive signal of their on-the-job success.
| Feature | Codility | Niju |
|---|---|---|
| Hiring philosophy | "Assessment science" and CompSci fundamentals | Practical, real-world abilities |
| Evaluation signal | Score on coding challenge | Holistic: code and thought process |
| Skills assessed | Focused on algorithmic skills | Coding, problem solving and communication |
| Candidate experience | High-stress, exam-like | Low-stress, 20-minute skills showcase |
| Risk | Can filter out great practical engineers | Captures a more complete candidate profile |
Hire for how engineers actually work, not how they take tests
The biggest weakness of platforms like Codility is that they often test for skills that aren't used in the day-to-day job of a software engineer. Many great, experienced engineers don't spend their time practising algorithmic puzzles, and these tests can incorrectly filter them out, leading to costly false negatives.
Niju is different by design. Our challenges are practical and mirror the kind of work your team does every day. More importantly, we capture the candidate's entire thought process by recording their screen and audio as they talk through their solution. This is a game-changer. You don't just see the final code; you understand why they made certain decisions, how they debugged a problem, and how clearly they can communicate technical concepts. These are the skills that truly define an effective team member, and they are completely invisible to a traditional coding test.
A better experience for the talent you want to attract
For many candidates, especially senior engineers, a high-pressure, timed algorithmic test can be a frustrating and stressful experience that doesn't allow them to showcase their true abilities.
Niju's candidate-first approach is a competitive advantage. The 20-minute, asynchronous format respects their time and allows them to showcase their skills in a low-stress environment that feels more like a collaborative session than an exam. This positive experience helps you attract and secure the best candidates before your competitors do.
The Niju advantage
Practical focus: Hire for skills that matter on the job
Holistic signal: Understand how a candidate thinks and communicates, not just what they code.
Avoid false negatives: Don't miss out on great engineers who aren't test-takers
Superior experience: Attract and win top talent with a respectful process