The HubSpot coding assessment

When we interview engineers at HubSpot, we like to give them an assessment that feels like a task that they might do on the job here.

We believe that code screen problems don't have to be unspeakably terrible.

Here's a short explanation of what we're looking to examine with this assessment and what you can expect when you take it.

1. What does the assessment involve?
2. Are there any special requirements?
3. What do I need to know to perform well?
4. What are the rules of the assessment?
5. How are the assessments evaluated?
6. How do I find out more?

What does the assessment involve?

We'll provide you with an API which you can use to retrieve some data which will be specific to you and you alone.

This data will represent a real-world problem which we'll describe to you in detail when you start the assessment.

We'll ask you to take this data and modify it in some way to solve this problem.

We'll provide you with a separate API which you can use to send us back this modified data as your solution.

When you're finished, we'll prompt you to send your code to us.

Are there any special requirements?

No! You'll complete the whole assessment on your own computer - there's no online coding environment or other restriction on how you work

You can use your preferred coding language, IDE, libraries or anything else that you would use while coding normally.

What do I need to know to perform well?

• The basics of HTTP requests - performing GET and POST requests and understanding headers and status codes
• The JSON data format and how to parse from it or serialize into it
• Common data structures and when and how to use them - arrays, maps, sets
• Bonus: it's helpful to be able to think about how to solve real-world problems with software

What are the rules of the assessment?

Like everything else in life, there's a few rules associated with this assessment.

• You'll have 3 hours to complete the assessment. Try to give yourself at least that much time in one sitting before starting the assessment.
• When you start the assessment, we'll give you a unique API key which each of your requests will need to include.
• When you successfully complete the assessment, we'll email you with the next steps! But don't worry, if you haven't completed the assessment after 3 hours, we'll email you too.
• It's OK to use an IDE, Stack Overflow or whatever else you'd use while coding normally.
• It's not OK to copy code verbatim or to consult a friend.
• It's not OK to use ChatGPT or other AI tools
• Finally, we ask that people don't share the details of the project with others.

How are the assessments evaluated?

We evaluate submissions based on two criteria

• First and foremost, if you complete the project within three hours.
• Next, the time from when you start the assessment to the time when you first submit a correct solution.

We recommend that you get your code working first and then clean it up or refactor it afterwards.

How do I find out more?

• Read about how we build our engineering teams (and great software) on our product blog.
• Have a look at the open positions on our website and apply!