I'll do whatever I need to, as long as the total interviewing time isn't too long! I find coding the easiest to prepare for
Ask HN: Do you refuse to do coding challenges for software engineer interviews?
11–17 of 17 posts
Re: Ask HN: Do you refuse to do coding challenges for software engineer interviews?
#12only if they are boring, which probably is good feedback about the job.
Re: Ask HN: Do you refuse to do coding challenges for software engineer interviews?
#13Algorithms challenge? Yes. As long the interviewer is ok with explanations as I don't bother retaining syntax most of the time, if it's not the language I'm using for day to day work. I can come up with a solution in C or even Assembly, but only in rough terms.
I'm also ok with a take home challenge if the scope is small, the intent to hire me is clear, and it will take only a few hours to complete.
Re: Ask HN: Do you refuse to do coding challenges for software engineer interviews?
#14No, I lean in the opposite direction - I would be more inclined towards employment opportunities which have a reasonable coding challenge as part of the hiring process. In my experience, there is a strong correlation between how technically challenging the hiring process is and how good a place is to work as an engineer. A reasonable coding challenge is a signal that there are competent engineers within the organizat…
there is no correlation between passing leetcode type interviews and actual software development skills
That's ridiculous! Obviously not every software engineer knows algorithms and data structures, but if you do pass a leet code question you have at least some minimum of skill.
It's shocking how many interviews I've done where the candidate can barely code anything unfortunately, so it is absolutely worthwhile.
Re: Ask HN: Do you refuse to do coding challenges for software engineer interviews?
#15Earlier quoted context omitted.
there is no correlation between passing leetcode type interviews and actual software development skills
That's ridiculous! Obviously not every software engineer knows algorithms and data structures, but if you do pass a leet code question you have at least some minimum of skill. It's shocking how many interviews I've done where the candidate can barely code anything unfortunately, so it is absolutely worthwhile.
all it means is that you repeatedly practiced a set of problems and solutions and are able to quickly reproduce them.
it does not mean you have the experience, creativity and insight to create something new and innovative.
Re: Ask HN: Do you refuse to do coding challenges for software engineer interviews?
#16Earlier quoted context omitted.
there is no correlation between passing leetcode type interviews and actual software development skills
That's ridiculous! Obviously not every software engineer knows algorithms and data structures, but if you do pass a leet code question you have at least some minimum of skill. It's shocking how many interviews I've done where the candidate can barely code anything unfortunately, so it is absolutely worthwhile.
also your second paragraph makes it clear you are biased which is another reason to refuse to do coding interviews from my perspective.
Re: Ask HN: Do you refuse to do coding challenges for software engineer interviews?
#17Earlier quoted context omitted.
That's ridiculous! Obviously not every software engineer knows algorithms and data structures, but if you do pass a leet code question you have at least some minimum of skill. It's shocking how many interviews I've done where the candidate can barely code anything unfortunately, so it is absolutely worthwhile.
all it means is that you repeatedly practiced a set of problems and solutions and are able to quickly reproduce them. it does not mean you have the experience, creativity and insight to create something new and innovative.
Having done many coding interviews I can assure you there is more to it than memorizing a problem and solution. I don't see how asking someone who is applying for a software engineer job to do a miniature software engineering task is controversial!