In 2025, I firmly believe that technical interviews should include a small lab component. Whether conducted virtually or with physical equipment, a practical lab offers a baseline, real-world view of an engineer’s capabilities that no theoretical question can truly capture.

Here’s why.

1. Labs Validate Fundamental Knowledge

A practical lab isn’t designed to be overly complex or turn into a expert troubleshooting marathon. It’s meant to validate fundamental knowledge. For example, if someone claims extensive wireless experience on their resume, configuring a basic SSID with WPA2-Enterprise in a lab should not be an intimidating task. Similarly, a network engineer who lists BGP as a core skill should comfortably demonstrate a simple peer configuration. Labs keep resumes honest and ensure candidates are not just fluent in buzzwords or memorized definitions.

2. Labs Assess Soft Skills Under Pressure

A well-structured lab also provides insight into a candidate’s soft skills:

• Problem-solving approach: Do they read questions carefully?
• Composure: How do they handle gaps in knowledge or a sudden error?
• Communication: Are they narrating their steps clearly if it’s an interactive lab?

These are qualities that impact daily team dynamics and customer interactions but rarely surface in purely verbal technical interviews.

3. Labs Bridge the Resume-to-Reality Gap

In an era where AI tools can assist with resume writing, LinkedIn profiles, and even live technical question prep, a practical lab keeps hiring grounded in reality. It bridges the gap between what’s on paper and what’s executable by the engineer themselves.

4. Labs Don’t Need to Be Complex

I want to emphasize this: a lab isn’t there to humiliate or exhaust candidates. It doesn’t need to test obscure protocols or advanced configuration tricks. It should focus on:

• The fundamentals aligned with the job description.
• Common tasks that the candidate will perform in their role.
• A fair assessment of their readiness for Day 1 tasks.

Final Thoughts

In 2025, technical interviews should evolve to mirror real work environments. A small, thoughtful lab assesses an engineer’s technical skill, logical approach, and calmness under pressure—all at once. If you’re hiring engineers this year, consider incorporating practical labs. It’s the most authentic way to ensure you’re bringing on talent that isn’t just theoretically strong but operationally ready.