Chapter 1: The Common Misstep in Software Development Interviews

In my experience as an interviewer in the tech industry, I've encountered countless candidates. Without fail, I pose a particular question: "Considering you're applying for a position at this company, which operates within this sector, how would you approach solving a specific issue?"

The responses I receive are often incorrect, and even when candidates provide a partially accurate answer, it rarely meets the mark.

To illustrate the correct approach, I guide them through a basic answer, emphasizing that there is indeed a straightforward solution they should have known. A sense of shame seems to wash over them for not grasping it.

Next, I present a more comprehensive answer, addressing potential edge cases that could arise in unusual scenarios. The candidates typically respond with nods of approval, as if they've grasped the complexity of the topic.

To conclude, I share the most refined response based on my extensive experience, including unique cases that I have encountered throughout my career. I send them on their way, hopeful that I've imparted valuable knowledge that will help them in future interviews.

Yet, I can't help but shake my head, wondering if they truly comprehend that they lack the depth of understanding required for a position in this industry—or even with me.

My preference leans towards candidates who possess all the necessary knowledge from the outset, rather than those who might grow and learn under my guidance. The vastness and diversity of our field might mean they have pertinent skills in other areas, but the crux of the matter remains: "They didn’t know the answer to this particular question."

Oddly enough, if someone has all the answers, what motivates them to apply for a position they can already fulfill?

These candidates certainly present a conundrum...

And the silver lining? I can craft an article on how prospective interviewees should already be privy to this information.

But let's be honest—I get to showcase my own expertise in this niche area and highlight the shortcomings of those who are unprepared.

Having explained this to you, it becomes clear how straightforward it is to grasp. But if I can articulate it in a simple article for others to reference, perhaps this question isn’t as monumental as I once thought.

No, it’s definitely their fault—but I still relish the notion of being clever while looking down on those who lack this specific knowledge.

How about a different approach? Instead of demonstrating your cleverness with niche knowledge, allow the interviewee to showcase their intelligence through their problem-solving abilities. After all, software development is fundamentally about solving problems—translating sometimes ambiguous statements into executable solutions.

I recall a particular question from an interview regarding the order of operations in a mathematical expression:

What is the order of execution in the following statement?

a + b * c^h / -l + a^g%k

Honestly, anyone who writes code this way deserves to be dismissed—such embedded knowledge is simply unhelpful.

Incorporating parentheses for clarity would greatly benefit anyone reading this code, as they will inevitably need to interpret its meaning.

This question is utterly pointless.

Perhaps I should pen an article on how "clever" I am for understanding the order of operations correctly, and title it "The One Question That No Software Developer Gets Right."

Scratch that... I've just done it.

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Chapter 2: Misconceptions in Problem-Solving

The first video titled What Was Your Biggest Mistake in Software Development? explores common pitfalls developers face and how to learn from them.

The second video, LeetCode Ruined Software Engineering…, discusses the impact of coding challenges on real-world software engineering skills and knowledge.