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I failed my first 2 tech interviews and Google and Snapchat leaving me feeling cheated by the dumbass whiteboard. Whiteboard tests are tailor-made for the insid

I failed my first 2 tech interviews and Google and Snapchat leaving me feeling cheated by the dumbass whiteboard. Whiteboard tests are tailor-made for the inside the book thinkers. The ones that stop learning when the chapter ends and soon forget when the next subject begins. Computers are the thing that gets you to the thing. You want people who can see that the software they are working has a broader impact beyond 1s and 0s. PS. 5 Years later, I'm now the CT0 of my company managing 50 people. So srs, not srs Googs you missed out =P

falcor84 9y ago
Not that I think that whiteboard interviews are the best approach, but I'd say you're being quite too harsh. In particular, the type of student that you mentioned who soon forget every topic they ever learned would surely not do so well on a whiteboard interview. Or if they were able to "relearn" every aspect of algorithmics in the week before the interview then they can't be that bad. In any case, a good(!) whiteboard interview absolutely can focus on all of that broader impact you mentioned and get the interviewee to discuss the UX/efficiency/maintainability/etc of what they're creating.
- blackflame7000 9y ago
  While I can see your point, I am of the mindset that Computer Science is too vast to expect someone to memorize it all. Furthermore, it's not even a memory test its a form of hazing, to be honest. It has little indication of how well someone will do in a role as dynamic as software engineering. Im certain I could make you look like a fool in front of a whiteboard and im sure you could do the same to me. But have we actually proven anything about who is smarter or more capable? No. I look for people who know where to find the answer even if they don't know it off the top of their heads. At least that way I know I won't spend half my day answering their questions if I hirer them. The kids who spend their time in college depending on the book and the professor to hold their hands aren't the ones who succeed in the long term. It takes ingenuity and creativity for that. That's who I want on my team.

falcor84 9y ago

Not that I think that whiteboard interviews are the best approach, but I'd say you're being quite too harsh. In particular, the type of student that you mentioned who soon forget every topic they ever learned would surely not do so well on a whiteboard interview. Or if they were able to "relearn" every aspect of algorithmics in the week before the interview then they can't be that bad. In any case, a good(!) whiteboard interview absolutely can focus on all of that broader impact you mentioned and get the interviewee to discuss the UX/efficiency/maintainability/etc of what they're creating.

blackflame7000 9y ago
While I can see your point, I am of the mindset that Computer Science is too vast to expect someone to memorize it all. Furthermore, it's not even a memory test its a form of hazing, to be honest. It has little indication of how well someone will do in a role as dynamic as software engineering. Im certain I could make you look like a fool in front of a whiteboard and im sure you could do the same to me. But have we actually proven anything about who is smarter or more capable? No. I look for people who know where to find the answer even if they don't know it off the top of their heads. At least that way I know I won't spend half my day answering their questions if I hirer them. The kids who spend their time in college depending on the book and the professor to hold their hands aren't the ones who succeed in the long term. It takes ingenuity and creativity for that. That's who I want on my team.