In my experience, pure mathematical knowledge just by itself seldom translates into good coding skills. This is after I've TAed Maths, CS and Physics courses fo

In my experience, pure mathematical knowledge just by itself seldom translates into good coding skills. This is after I've TAed Maths, CS and Physics courses for almost 4 years. Typically we have 45 minutes to interview someone and asking a question where one has to derive a mathematical formula using induction/ calculus is not well served to gauge their programming abilities. But I totally agree with you on your last point - just because someone is not a good hire now, does not mean they never will be - that's why even if you don't crack an interview, you can reapply in 6 months time.