I think it's mostly (1). The question is mostly "prove to me you've written code before". I typically let them pick their own language. I'm guessing some are fa

I think it's mostly (1). The question is mostly "prove to me you've written code before". I typically let them pick their own language. I'm guessing some are fake-it-until-they-make-it and some are genuine Dunning-Krugers. The phone screen is to filter out category (1). People that suspect they're in category (2) could come to an interview with some code samples. Personally, I'd even be OK if a (2) contacted me after the phone screen with some code samples and an explanation about what happened. Maybe we could set up another phone call and find another way to assess technical abilities. Good development requires good communication and someone with the maturity to overcome that sort of problem will fit in well somewhere, maybe even on my team.