How to Run a SharePoint Services Developer Evaluation

Running a SharePoint Services Developer Evaluation involves assessing a candidate’s modern development capabilities, setting up isolated test environments, and ensuring they align with Microsoft’s current enterprise architecture. Historically rooted in older tech stacks like Windows SharePoint Services (WSS), a modern evaluation must prioritize cloud-first technologies. 1. Structure the Core Technical Assessment

A modern evaluation should move away from legacy server-side C# code (like farm solutions) and test for modern, client-side skills. Ensure your candidate evaluation criteria focus heavily on:

SharePoint Framework (SPFx): This is the baseline standard for modern SharePoint development. Candidates must demonstrate mastery of Node.js, TypeScript, React, and Gulp.

API Utilization: Verify their ability to handle asynchronous data retrieval using the ⁠SharePoint REST APIs and Microsoft Graph API.

No-Code/Low-Code Integration: Evaluating how a developer bridges custom code with Power Platform tools, specifically ⁠Power Automate workflows and Power Apps. 2. Set Up the Isolated Evaluation Environment

Never allow candidate evaluations or test code to interact with your live production data.

Provision a Microsoft 365 Developer Tenant: Set up a free sandbox environment through the ⁠Microsoft 365 Developer Program. This provides an isolated space with SharePoint Online and fake user data.

Configure Local Developer Tooling: If providing a virtual machine (VM) for the evaluation, use the ⁠Yeoman Generator for SPFx to scaffold test projects. Ensure you run utility commands to trust the local self-signed SSL certificates for debugging.

On-Premises Context (If Applicable): If evaluating for legacy or hybrid infrastructure (e.g., SharePoint Server), use dedicated developer isolated site collections and activate necessary background dependencies like the App Management Service. 3. Implement Practical Coding Challenges

Avoid abstract multiple-choice algorithmic questions; instead, use scenario-based practical tests that mirror real business bottlenecks: YouTube·Andrew Connell