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I just got 4 offers from 3 FAANG companies, and I agree completely. None of the interviews had any filter for finishing tasks on time, writing good tests, impr

I just got 4 offers from 3 FAANG companies, and I agree completely. None of the interviews had any filter for finishing tasks on time, writing good tests, improving team cohesion, or any of the many important characteristics of a great software developer. But, gosh, I can definitely explain how Aho-Corasick works.

rectang 5y ago
You'd think that interviewers would investigate "designing for testability", which is in some ways similar to algorithm design — it's an architectural and optimization problem. You could even present open-ended programming exercises such as "design tests for this system". Similarly, you could test for ability to architect a Git commit history. Git uses some important algorithms (e.g. content addressable store, tree traversal) and people who demonstrate an understanding of how to leverage it well are likely to be more effective candidates.
- taylodl 5y ago
  You're making the assumption the interviewers at FAANG companies know this stuff. Many don't. The FAANG companies cast a wide net filtering out below-average engineers, knowing that there are some rock stars in what remains. The average FAANG employee isn't unlike your average coworker in any software development shop. Besides, if you really want to "change the world" you'll quickly realize you're not going to be able to do it at a FAANG.
  - DoreenMichele 5y ago
    FAANG already changed the world into what it is today. Now they want to preserve the status quo that keeps them rich and powerful.
ripper1138 5y ago
IMO a huge missing piece is references. That part isn’t a new idea, it’s been part of hiring forever. A good reference from a past manager would mean a lot more to me than a 60 min coding challenge from leet code.
- telotortium 5y ago
  Who is going to be able to get a reference from anyone at their current workplace? You generally don't tell your manager you're interviewing before you have an offer in hand.

rectang 5y ago

You'd think that interviewers would investigate "designing for testability", which is in some ways similar to algorithm design — it's an architectural and optimization problem. You could even present open-ended programming exercises such as "design tests for this system". Similarly, you could test for ability to architect a Git commit history. Git uses some important algorithms (e.g. content addressable store, tree traversal) and people who demonstrate an understanding of how to leverage it well are likely to be more effective candidates.

taylodl 5y ago
You're making the assumption the interviewers at FAANG companies know this stuff. Many don't. The FAANG companies cast a wide net filtering out below-average engineers, knowing that there are some rock stars in what remains. The average FAANG employee isn't unlike your average coworker in any software development shop. Besides, if you really want to "change the world" you'll quickly realize you're not going to be able to do it at a FAANG.
- DoreenMichele 5y ago
  FAANG already changed the world into what it is today. Now they want to preserve the status quo that keeps them rich and powerful.

ripper1138 5y ago

IMO a huge missing piece is references. That part isn’t a new idea, it’s been part of hiring forever. A good reference from a past manager would mean a lot more to me than a 60 min coding challenge from leet code.

telotortium 5y ago
Who is going to be able to get a reference from anyone at their current workplace? You generally don't tell your manager you're interviewing before you have an offer in hand.