guessless
I run a startup that utilizes CoreML pretty heavily in mobile apps, and I'm eager to eventually build out a web app with the backend entirely in Swift. Being able to do everything in one language is really enticing.
That's a pretty idealistic view of people. Most people exaggerate on their resume. The most reliable tool (at the moment) to cut through and establish some common metrics is the technical test. How do you compare technical "chats" between individuals? Duration of call? Gut feel? How do you ensure that the person on the phone has the breadth and depth of experience to thoroughly discuss any and all projects on the phone with the interviewee? Is it the same person on all of these calls? It can't be, so how would you compare between two interviewers' subjective feedback?
> This is not without cost to the employer...
This is a HUGE cost, especially at a startup. A mis-hire at a startup can sink the entire ship.
I do think that your approach has merit, and I personally dislike technical interviewing, but for a startup the OP's approach is, IMO, the best tradeoff.