UK Recruitment Glossary
Coding Test
In recruiter context
UK tech coding tests in 2026 split into three formats: timed online assessments (1-2 hours, algorithmic, gatekeeper-stage), pair-coding sessions (45-60 mins live with an interviewer, mid-stage), and take-home projects (4-12 hours over a weekend, used by senior+ companies). The hardest is usually the live pair-coding — you have to think aloud, take input gracefully, and code under observation. Most candidates underperform their actual ability by 20-30% in this format because of the pressure. Practise on Pramp or Interviewing.io with strangers before the real one. For take-homes, the win is usually code quality and documentation, not feature breadth.
Related terms
Cover Letter
A short letter accompanying your CV that explains why you want this specific role.
Working Time Regulations
UK law limiting weekly working hours to 48 hours on average (over 17 weeks), with rights to rest bre…
Equality Act 2010
The primary UK anti-discrimination law, protecting nine specific characteristics: age, disability, g…
Retained Search
An executive recruitment model where the employer pays the search firm an upfront fee, regardless of…