“Anti-Cheat” Candidate Communication Templates

Transparency builds trust and deters cheating.

Share what candidates need to know: process details, timelines, and assessment formats (how and what are you trying to evaluate?). Keep critical elements private to maintain integrity. 

Note: It may seem obvious, but remember to always share the same information with every potential hire. You want to set all candidates up for success, and keep the playing field level. A template (like the ones below!) can help you do this.

Template for candidate communication at the beginning of the process

Subject: A warm welcome to [Company name]’s recruitment process

Dear [Candidate’s name],

Thank you for taking the time to speak with me earlier today. 

I’m excited to guide you through the next steps of our recruitment process. Below, you’ll find a detailed overview of what to expect:

📌 Our recruitment process

1. Introduction call with a member of the HR team

• Duration: 15 minutes
• Purpose: A brief chat to present [Company name], confirm role alignment and availability, answer your questions about the process.
• Who you’ll meet: [Name], [Job title].
• Platform: [e.g., Phone/Zoom/Google Meet]

Note: you’ve already passed this step! 🥳

2. Online technical test

• Duration: Up to 1 hour
• Purpose: To evaluate your coding skills and problem-solving abilities.
• What to expect: A technical challenge in your domain, completed in real-time within CoderPad’s IDE (VS Code-based). [Include link to tutorial]
• Platform: [e.g., CoderPad Screen]
• Tools available: You are encouraged to use all of the online resources and tools available to you (yes, even ChatGPT!). The CoderPad IDE is browser-based and includes all industry-standard tools (documentation, auto-complete, syntax highlighting, etc.). 

3. Technical interview with [X] members of the tech team

• Duration: 1.5 hours
• Purpose: A deep dive into your technical expertise, collaboration style, and problem-solving approach.
• What to expect:
  • Technical questions based on real-world scenarios.
  • Collaborative coding.
  • An opportunity to discuss your online technical test in more detail.
• Who you’ll meet: [Name], [Job title] and [Name], [Job title]
• Platform: [e.g., CoderPad Interview]

4. HR interview and product team discussion

• Duration: 1 hour
• Purpose:
  • HR: Exploring cultural alignment and your long-term goals.
  • Product team: Discussing your potential impact on cross-functional projects.
• What to expect: Standardized behavioral questions, scenario-based discussions, and insights into our product roadmap.
• Who you’ll meet: [Name], [Job title], [Name], [Job title] and [Name], [Job title]

5. Final interview with our CEO

• Duration: 30 minutes
• Purpose: An opportunity to connect with our CEO and understand the company’s vision and leadership approach.
• What to expect: An open conversation about the company, your aspirations, and how you’d contribute to our goals.
• Who you’ll meet: [Name]

📌 Preparing for success

Before each step, you’ll receive a friendly reminder with key information and tips to help you prepare.

📌 Inclusivity matters

We strive to make our hiring process as inclusive as possible. If you require any accommodations or adjustments—such as specific tools, accessibility support, or scheduling changes—please let us know in advance. We’ll do our best to accommodate your needs.

📌 Data protection & equal opportunity

[Company Name] is committed to protecting your data and ensuring fair treatment throughout the recruitment process. Your information will be handled securely and in line with [GDPR compliance or relevant data protection laws].

We’re excited to learn more about you and hope to make this process as engaging and seamless as possible. If you have any questions or concerns, please reach out. I’m here to support you every step of the way.

I look forward to chatting again soon,

[Your name]
[Your job title]
[Company name]
[Contact information]

Template for pre-assessment candidate communication

Subject: Tips for your online assessment for [Company name]

Hi [Candidate’s name],

You’ve been invited to take an online assessment—how exciting! 

You’ll find all of the key information within your invitation. I just wanted to share a few extra tips and reminders:

📌 Reminders

• Submission deadline: You have until [Time and date] to submit your assessment.
• Duration: This test should take approximately [XX] minutes and must be completed in one sitting. Once you start, you won’t be able to pause or go back to edit your answers.
• Confidentiality and security: Your responses are confidential and will be used solely for evaluation purposes. Any misconduct will be detected by [Testing solution, e.g., CoderPad] and reported to [Company Name]. Recording or sharing test questions is strictly prohibited.

📌 Tips for success

• Environment: Ensure you have a quiet, distraction-free space and a stable internet connection.
• Preparation: We recommend reviewing this tutorial: [Insert link]. Take the time to get comfortable with the platform before diving in!
• Tools: You are encouraged to use all of the online resources and tools available to you (yes, even ChatGPT!), however you must take this test alone. 

Please let me know if there’s anything I can help you with. 

Wishing you the best of luck!  

[Your name]
[Your job title]
[Company name]
[Contact information]

Template for pre-interview candidate communication

Subject: Get ready for your live coding interview with [Company name]

Hi [Candidate’s name],

Congratulations on reaching the next stage of our recruitment process! Your live coding interview is coming up, and I want to make sure you feel prepared and confident going in. Below is everything you need to know.

📌 Reminders

• Date & time: [Date, time, and time zone]
• Duration: [Duration]
• Platform: [e.g., Zoom, Google Meet, CoderPad Interview]
• Interview link: [Insert link]
• Attendees: [Name], [Job title] and [Name], [Job title]

📌 What to expect

• Coding exercise: Hands-on, real-world coding tasks to evaluate your skills. We want this to be an interactive and realistic experience… think tech interview meets pair programming! 
• Discussion: We’ll review your previous technical test (if applicable).
• Q&A: Your chance to ask about our tech stack, projects, or team.

📌 Tips for success

• Test your setup (internet, camera, mic) and ensure a quiet space.
• Get familiar with [Platform name, e.g., CoderPad] using this tutorial: [Insert link].
• Talk through your thought process during the session, and don’t be afraid to ask clarifying questions—we value collaboration!

If you need any accommodations, please let us know in advance. We’re here to support you in any way we can.

Wishing you a great interview,
[Your name]
[Your job title]
[Company name]
[Contact information]