Heap's innovative approach to interviewing engineers diverges from traditional methods by simulating a realistic workday, which involves candidates building a practical feature throughout the day. This process, designed to reflect the actual job environment, emphasizes practical skills such as debugging, self-management, and productivity, rather than solely focusing on technical knowledge assessed through whiteboard problems. By doing so, Heap gains a more comprehensive understanding of a candidate's capabilities in real-world scenarios, contributing to the selection of engineers who effectively contribute to team productivity. While this method presents challenges such as scalability and the need for skilled interviewers, it results in higher candidate satisfaction and more accurate predictions of on-the-job performance. The company believes that a well-designed interview process is crucial for maintaining a high-performing engineering team, as it helps identify and attract talented engineers who can thrive in their work environment.