5 ms·

Man, I've never studied for an interview... I turn up on the day, but then these interviews asking difficult algorithm question seem to be a rarity in the UK,

by LandR 8y ago

Man, I've never studied for an interview... I turn up on the day, but then these interviews asking difficult algorithm question seem to be a rarity in the UK, thankfully. Our interview process seems to be much more reasonable.

some_account 8y ago
Because it's insane. You will not use of those algorithms in your job, and even if you do, they are ready to use in modules already. It's just a way to see who can learn those algorithms because the big five need to filter out most people somehow. This is their method of doing it.
- hanselot 8y ago
  As a filtering method it still seems illogical. Since there are essentially only two positions you need to hire for. Junior and Senior. If the position is senior, grill them on the complicated technical stuff, because in their position they could potentially cost you millions with a small mistake, however this is also why they get paid so well. For junior, hire four people, do normal HR and resume checks to establish that they are a safe hire, and let the actual work filter them out. Additionally, once you have established which of the hires are good fits, see if you can find other positions internally for the ones that aren't, as they now have already been inducted and understand company policy/culture etc, plus you have already spent resources hiring them. The hirees gain from the watercooler effect and start building loyalty towards their employer as opposed to leaving at the drop of a hat, since their company seems to care about their well-being. Am I insane for thinking this way? Please tell me if I'm missing something.
- nwbrown 8y ago
  More likely they aren't testing your knowledge of the algorithm but testing your ability to write code.
chosenbreed 8y ago
> I turn up on the day, but then these interviews asking difficult algorithm question seem to be a rarity in the UK, thankfully. Perhaps...I've seen a few share of those in interview situations or in pre-interview screening tests. I like the fact the fact that is a standard test that every candidate faces. I'm not sure that the nature of the tests has any relation to the type of work one will be required to in some of these places...
jenscow 8y ago
> seem to be a rarity in the UK Also what I've noticed. Since the 90s, I've never been asked one of these algorithm question. Most of it's just a chat about my CV and what they do. A good interviewer or developer would smell bullshit. I sometimes get a few basic quizzes or fizzbuzz level exercises, which I don't have a problem with. Usually when I ask about it, it's just an extra filter due to someone in the past slipping through the cracks. Having worked with people who'd fail such tests, it's a good signal knowing my potential team members are at a reasonable standard.

by LandR 8y ago

some_account 8y ago

Because it's insane. You will not use of those algorithms in your job, and even if you do, they are ready to use in modules already. It's just a way to see who can learn those algorithms because the big five need to filter out most people somehow. This is their method of doing it.

hanselot 8y ago
As a filtering method it still seems illogical. Since there are essentially only two positions you need to hire for. Junior and Senior. If the position is senior, grill them on the complicated technical stuff, because in their position they could potentially cost you millions with a small mistake, however this is also why they get paid so well. For junior, hire four people, do normal HR and resume checks to establish that they are a safe hire, and let the actual work filter them out. Additionally, once you have established which of the hires are good fits, see if you can find other positions internally for the ones that aren't, as they now have already been inducted and understand company policy/culture etc, plus you have already spent resources hiring them. The hirees gain from the watercooler effect and start building loyalty towards their employer as opposed to leaving at the drop of a hat, since their company seems to care about their well-being. Am I insane for thinking this way? Please tell me if I'm missing something.
nwbrown 8y ago
More likely they aren't testing your knowledge of the algorithm but testing your ability to write code.

chosenbreed 8y ago

> I turn up on the day, but then these interviews asking difficult algorithm question seem to be a rarity in the UK, thankfully. Perhaps...I've seen a few share of those in interview situations or in pre-interview screening tests. I like the fact the fact that is a standard test that every candidate faces. I'm not sure that the nature of the tests has any relation to the type of work one will be required to in some of these places...

jenscow 8y ago

> seem to be a rarity in the UK Also what I've noticed. Since the 90s, I've never been asked one of these algorithm question. Most of it's just a chat about my CV and what they do. A good interviewer or developer would smell bullshit. I sometimes get a few basic quizzes or fizzbuzz level exercises, which I don't have a problem with. Usually when I ask about it, it's just an extra filter due to someone in the past slipping through the cracks. Having worked with people who'd fail such tests, it's a good signal knowing my potential team members are at a reasonable standard.