Yes even I am vary of the whole DS/Algo interview process. Not only does it make many talented people not want to apply because they don't want to put themselves through preparing for such interviews, it also prevents companies from having a diverse group of talented individuals.
Also so many smart people end up getting demoralised after not clearing one of these rigorous interviews and thinking their skills are not good enough.
There has to be a bit better way of conducting interviews.
But these are the only kind of interviews I have given, the ones focused on DS/Also.. what are the kind of interviews you see happening elsewhere? Both for people with experience and those just starting out?
no problem!
I think if the interview is simply people just peppering the candidate with questions whom expect only answers, those are harsh.
Some interviews are more discussion type. Ie, "Lets have a discussion about Javascript closures" There is no right or wrong answers. You can showcase your communication and soft skills, yet still get across you know what a particular topic is about.
I also get asked to draw architectural designs on the whiteboard - this isn't the same as whiteboard coding questions. Drawing diagrams and presenting architectural concepts clearly is something very relevant to a senior position. As a lead, I do this all the time, so I don't really practice this myself, but explaining the design decisions of a particular system at a high level is another opportunity to impress the interviewers.
As for coding problems. I do practice some before an interview and I have a React + Springboot template app ready in case I get asked for some take home coding problem.
In very first development job interview, years ago, at a Java consulting company. I impressed my interviewers with a ad-hoc whiteboard presentation about one of my personal projects. It didn't write any code, etc. They asked me "oh, thats interesting, what was that about".... so I picked up a marker and talked about it.
Unfortunately, I also go though the DS/Algo interview process too. But, its never a multi-day affair like some FAANGs. For me, I usually see 1 tech challenge (after a separate HR interview). Sometimes a take home assignment or coding challenge.
Yes even I am vary of the whole DS/Algo interview process. Not only does it make many talented people not want to apply because they don't want to put themselves through preparing for such interviews, it also prevents companies from having a diverse group of talented individuals.
Also so many smart people end up getting demoralised after not clearing one of these rigorous interviews and thinking their skills are not good enough.
There has to be a bit better way of conducting interviews.
But these are the only kind of interviews I have given, the ones focused on DS/Also.. what are the kind of interviews you see happening elsewhere? Both for people with experience and those just starting out?
Apologies for bombarding your answer with another question XD
I am just curious about what other skills you can focus on and showcase in an interview to get a job.
no problem!
I think if the interview is simply people just peppering the candidate with questions whom expect only answers, those are harsh.
Some interviews are more discussion type. Ie, "Lets have a discussion about Javascript closures" There is no right or wrong answers. You can showcase your communication and soft skills, yet still get across you know what a particular topic is about.
I also get asked to draw architectural designs on the whiteboard - this isn't the same as whiteboard coding questions. Drawing diagrams and presenting architectural concepts clearly is something very relevant to a senior position. As a lead, I do this all the time, so I don't really practice this myself, but explaining the design decisions of a particular system at a high level is another opportunity to impress the interviewers.
As for coding problems. I do practice some before an interview and I have a React + Springboot template app ready in case I get asked for some take home coding problem.
In very first development job interview, years ago, at a Java consulting company. I impressed my interviewers with a ad-hoc whiteboard presentation about one of my personal projects. It didn't write any code, etc. They asked me "oh, thats interesting, what was that about".... so I picked up a marker and talked about it.
This is quite insightful 😃
Thanks for sharing! ^^
Unfortunately, I also go though the DS/Algo interview process too. But, its never a multi-day affair like some FAANGs. For me, I usually see 1 tech challenge (after a separate HR interview). Sometimes a take home assignment or coding challenge.
That way putting the skills to a test. Awesome!