When it comes to vetting developers, traditional methods like technical interviews, coding tests, and portfolio reviews provide valuable insights—but they don’t always reveal a candidate’s true capabilities. Skills like teamwork, problem-solving, adaptability, and code quality under realistic conditions can be difficult to gauge through these standard approaches. Enter pair programming, a method that, when done right, offers a much clearer window into a developer’s skills and work style. Here’s why pair programming is a superior form of developer vetting over other common methods.

1. Real-Time Problem Solving: Seeing How They Think, Not Just What They Know

During pair programming, candidates tackle real tasks in real-time, allowing you to observe their approach to solving problems. Unlike coding tests or interview questions, pair programming involves more than arriving at the correct answer—it shows how they navigate challenges, evaluate options, and make decisions under pressure.

You get a direct look at a candidate’s logical approach, creativity, and ability to break down complex problems. You can see if they try multiple solutions, how they handle setbacks, and their openness to feedback—all critical insights that reveal their practical skills and mindset.

2. Communication and Collaboration: Evaluating Essential Soft Skills

Great developers aren’t just good at writing code; they’re effective communicators. Pair programming provides a natural setting to see how candidates communicate technical concepts, ask questions, and collaborate with others.

This method allows you to observe:

• How they handle feedback: Are they defensive, open, or appreciative?

• Their willingness to share knowledge: Do they offer explanations, teach, or provide context for their decisions?

• Their listening skills: Are they receptive to others’ suggestions, and do they listen carefully before responding?

Since pair programming is a team-based activity, it’s ideal for assessing these soft skills, which are often overlooked in other vetting methods.

3. Code Quality and Standards: Evaluating Work in a Real Development Context

Coding tests often focus on narrow problems, and while they can reveal technical skill, they rarely showcase code quality, style, or adherence to best practices. With pair programming, you see exactly how a developer approaches code structure, variable naming, commenting, and error handling—practices that are fundamental to writing clean, maintainable code.

You can assess:

• Adherence to coding standards: Are they familiar with industry best practices?

• Attention to detail: Do they catch potential errors early on, or overlook critical aspects of the code?

• Refactoring and optimization: Are they willing to revisit and improve their code?

These factors are especially important when assessing how well a candidate’s work will integrate with your existing codebase and team standards.

4. Learning Agility: How Quickly They Adapt to New Tools and Feedback

The ability to learn on the go is essential in software development, as new tools, languages, and frameworks are always emerging. In a pair programming environment, candidates are often introduced to your codebase, development tools, and team standards. Observing how quickly they pick up these unfamiliar elements and apply feedback is invaluable.

You can determine:

• How fast they adapt: Do they catch on quickly, or struggle with new information?

• Their comfort with learning from peers: Are they open to learning, or do they resist unfamiliar methods?

• Their response to constructive criticism: How well do they take direction and implement changes?

Seeing how they handle new challenges during pair programming can be a strong indicator of future success, especially in a fast-paced or rapidly evolving environment.

5. Team Fit: Gauging Cultural Compatibility and Work Style Alignment

Beyond skills, one of the most crucial aspects of hiring is finding team members who align with your company’s culture and values. Pair programming offers a first-hand look at how a candidate’s personality and work style mesh with your team. You’ll be able to assess whether they are a good cultural fit, which can significantly impact team dynamics and long-term success.

During pair programming, you’ll notice:

• Compatibility with team workflows: Do they work at a pace that matches your team’s rhythm?

• Flexibility in team settings: How well do they adapt to different personalities and styles?

• Alignment with company values: Are they respectful, inclusive, and supportive of their partner?

Hiring for cultural fit is just as important as hiring for skill, and pair programming is one of the best ways to evaluate this element.

Why Pair Programming Outperforms Other Vetting Methods

While coding tests and interviews serve a purpose, they often lack depth when it comes to evaluating a developer’s holistic skill set. Pair programming provides a comprehensive, hands-on experience that reveals critical aspects of a developer’s potential contribution. By assessing real-time problem-solving, communication, code quality, adaptability, and cultural fit, pair programming allows hiring managers to make more informed and confident hiring decisions.

If you’re looking for a way to vet developers that goes beyond basic technical assessments, pair programming is an invaluable approach. It offers a complete picture of a candidate’s technical and interpersonal skills, leading to hires that are not only skilled but also compatible and committed to your team’s success.