At this point in the game hiring based on LC isn't optimizing for hiring people who can code (I think that may have been the case 3-4 years ago), so we don't us

At this point in the game hiring based on LC isn't optimizing for hiring people who can code (I think that may have been the case 3-4 years ago), so we don't use it for anyone. Now it's just optimizing for people who have A) heard of LC (who cares); B) have a basic understanding of DSA (good); C) have taken the necessary 0.5-3 months to memorize the handful of patterns that show up (who cares). I can understand why companies like FAANG that get thousands of resumes use it as a filter, though. But I will say in my experience a PhD is a red flag for a developer, especially if you're highlighting your academic experience on your resume. It's just that the skills that make you successful in getting a PhD don't necessarily translate to day-to-day software development and in some cases will hinder you/the team.