Pair Programming as an Interview Technique: Pros and Cons

Hiring the right software engineers is one of the toughest challenges for any company.

Traditional interview methods like whiteboard coding or algorithm-heavy tests often fall short because they don’t reflect what engineers actually do in their day-to-day work. That’s where pair programming interviews come in.

Instead of asking candidates to solve problems in isolation, pair programming puts them side by side with an interviewer (virtually or in person) to tackle a real-world coding exercise together.

This approach gives a more authentic picture of how a candidate thinks, collaborates, and writes code.

But like any interview technique, it comes with both benefits and drawbacks.

The Pros of Pair Programming

1. A More Realistic Simulation of Work

Pair programming replicates what engineers do in agile environments… solving problems together.

It shifts the assessment away from artificial puzzles with practical coding scenarios, giving both sides a clearer picture of what collaboration might look like.

2. Reveals Communication and Collaboration Skills

Technical ability is only half the story. Pair programming allows interviewers to see how candidates explain their thought process, ask clarifying questions, and handle feedback in real time. These soft skills are just as critical as coding ability, especially in team-based environments.

3. Focuses on Problem-Solving Approach, Not Just Output

Unlike a take-home test, the emphasis isn’t solely on whether the candidate finishes the task. You can observe how they break down challenges, debug errors, and adapt their strategy. These are all insights you can’t always get from a finished solution.

4. More Engaging for Candidates

Many candidates find pair programming less intimidating than being grilled at a whiteboard. It feels like working with the company rather than being judged by it. This creates a more positive candidate experience and leaves a stronger impression of your culture.

5. Efficient Use of Time

Pair programming blends technical and interpersonal evaluation into one session, and can reduce the need for too many interview stages. It’s a practical way to streamline the process without sacrificing quality.

The Cons of Pair Programming

1. Anxiety Under Observation

Not everyone thrives when working with an audience. Some great engineers struggle to think clearly under pressure, and pair programming may unintentionally filter them out. This can disadvantage less confident candidates, even if they’d excel on the job.

2. Inconsistent Candidate Experience

Pair programming depends heavily on the interviewer’s style. One interviewer may be supportive and collaborative, while another quite critical. Without clear guidelines, the candidate experience and the assessment results can vary.

3. Requires Skilled Interviewers

Running a successful pair programming interview is a skill in itself. Interviewers need to strike a balance between guiding and observing, knowing when to step in and when to let the candidate drive. Without training, the process can feel awkward and unstructured.

4. Not Suitable for Every Role

Pair programming works well for roles where collaboration is central, especially agile team positions. For some roles, such as infrastructure or research-focused positions… it may not be the most effective measure of ability.

5. Limited in Scope

It’s great for assessing coding ability and teamwork, but pair programming doesn’t always reveal a candidate’s depth in areas like system design, scalability, or architecture. For that reason, it’s best used alongside other interview stages rather than as a standalone test.