A hackathon assignment is the specific challenge or task you create for candidates to complete during your hiring hackathon. It's the heart of your hackathon — defining what participants will create to demonstrate their skills using your content or brand.
This approach provides a real-world test with identical materials and time constraints for all applicants. Learn more about hackathons and their benefits here.
Role-Specific Assignment Examples
Here are common hackathon assignment formats for different creative roles:
- Video Editor Hackathon: Sample trial edit using provided footage, usually with a 30-60 second limit. Include instructions for style matching, transitions, and any special effects you typically use.
- Scriptwriter Hackathon: Provide a simple topic/brief that requires some research (like "The Science of Procrastination"). Scope it down to a 2-3 minute script rather than requesting a full video script.
- Content Strategist Hackathon: Ask candidates to analyze your channel/social media accounts and suggest 3 high-level strategies they would implement as your content strategist. Request a brief document (1-2 pages) rather than an extensive plan.
- Thumbnail Designer Hackathon: Provide raw image files and video title/description for context, then ask candidates to design 1-3 thumbnail options that match your channel's style.
- Social Media Manager Hackathon: Ask for a week's worth of content ideas for one platform based on your existing content, including suggested posting times and engagement strategies.
Assignment Template
To help you create clear, effective hackathon assignments, we've prepared a template you can customize for your specific role.
Download the Hackathon Assignment Template
Simply make a copy of this template, fill in your specific requirements, and delete the instructional text.
What Makes a Good Assignment?
The most effective hackathon assignments share these key characteristics:
1. Realistic but Manageable
The task should reflect actual work the person would do in the role, but be scoped appropriately for a 48-72 hour timeframe. Remember, participants are often working on this alongside other commitments. For example, instead of asking for a full 10-minute YouTube video edit, request a 60-90 second highlight clip that showcases their skills.
2. Provides Necessary Resources
Include all the assets and information candidates need to complete the assignment (footage, brand guidelines, example content, etc.). Clear instructions about what external resources they can use is crucial.
For instance:
- Can they use stock footage from sites like Pexels or Unsplash?
- Are they allowed to use AI tools for scriptwriting or image generation?
- Can they incorporate music from third-party libraries, or should they only use what you provide?
- Are they permitted to use external plugins or tools beyond standard software?
Being explicit about these boundaries prevents confusion and sets clear expectations. For example, you might state: "Please only use the provided footage and music assets. Do not incorporate external stock footage, but you may use your own sound effects if needed."
3. Clear Evaluation Criteria
Let participants know how you'll judge their work. This helps them focus their efforts on what matters most to you. Detailed criteria give candidates insight into your priorities and help them tailor their submissions accordingly.
Here's an example of effective evaluation criteria for a video editor hackathon:
- Channel Alignment: "Does your edit match my channel's voice and style? Study the content to understand the tone, pacing, and vibe, ensuring seamless alignment with the brand identity."
- Precision: "Attention to detail in all aspects of editing (smooth zooms, eye tracing between clips, proper timing of elements, organization, etc.)"
- Pacing & Flow: "Does the video progress smoothly and maintain viewer interest? Avoid choppy or disconnected segments and ensure engaging, progressive pacing."
Being this specific helps candidates understand exactly what you value and prevents them from spending time perfecting aspects that aren't priorities for your brand.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When creating your hackathon assignment, be mindful of these potential pitfalls:
1. Unrealistic Scope
Asking for a 10-minute video edit or a complete rebrand is too extensive for a hackathon format. Keep assignments focused and manageable within the timeframe.
2. Mismatched Skill Level
If you're hiring for a long-form video editor, don't ask for a 10-second TikTok edit. Ensure your assignment matches the skills you'll actually need in the role.
3. Vague Instructions
"Edit this how you'd like" or "Write something creative" doesn't give candidates enough direction. Be specific about what you want to see.
Best Practices
To get the best results from your hackathon assignment:
- Time It Yourself: Try to complete the assignment (or have a team member try). If it takes you more than 2-3 hours, it's probably too extensive.
- Consider the Experience: A well-designed assignment should feel like a valuable creative exercise, not exploitative free work.
- Offer Clear Rewards: Clearly state what participants can win (job opportunity, prizes, feedback, etc.). Learn more about effective reward structures.
By creating thoughtful, well-structured assignments, you'll attract serious candidates who are eager to demonstrate their skills specifically for your brand. This approach not only helps you identify the best talent but also gives you concrete examples of how candidates would handle your actual content needs.
Need more help creating your hackathon assignment? Contact our Creator Support Team at support@joinroster.co.
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