Why Coding Interviews Can Be Frustrating for Developers
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Chapter 1: The Reality of Coding Interviews
Have you ever considered the surprising truth about software developers? Many hesitate to seek new job opportunities primarily due to the daunting interview experience. This hesitation is understandable. Major tech companies, particularly FAANG, have popularized rigorous algorithm-focused interviews. While this may suit their extensive pool of candidates, it can be detrimental and chaotic for typical software teams.
Having participated in over 30 coding interviews in just four years, I've gathered several reasons why these interviews can be so unappealing. It’s important to note that not all companies adhere to the same interview methods; I’ve been fortunate to come across organizations that prioritize a respectful and thoughtful interview process.
They Require Extensive Preparation
Honestly, I would struggle to succeed in many of the modern coding interviews today. The reason? The amount of preparation needed is significant. For instance, if you ask me about my daily work as a front-end developer—like closures or optimizing React—I’m all set to discuss. However, if you want me to explain how to reverse a binary tree, that’s where I hit a snag.
Even after four years in the field, I would need at least two to three months to refresh the concepts essential for these interviews. Preparing for coding challenges and doing the actual job are two vastly different endeavors. Now, picture being laid off and urgently needing to find a new coding position to cover your expenses.
They Often Focus on Irrelevant Topics
During my four years of experience, I’ve encountered numerous irrelevant interview questions. For example, I was once asked to solve logic puzzles while interviewing for a front-end role. Another time, I had to demonstrate my ability to design a complete software system, including database management and caching, when applying for a junior position. I even faced Java-related questions while interviewing for a JavaScript role.
Expect to spend about 90% of your interview answering questions that bear little relevance to the actual job or solving challenges you will likely never face, such as implementing outdated algorithms that can simply be imported from existing libraries.
You Can’t Use Your Usual Tools
As developers, we rely on a variety of tools every day, from our code editors to search engines like Google. When these tools are stripped away during interviews, it feels like a significant part of our skill set is being disregarded. After dedicating years to mastering my workflow and leveraging tools effectively, why should I be forced to work in a manner that doesn’t reflect my everyday reality?
Unfortunately, not all employers agree. Many still insist that candidates write code on paper or a whiteboard, disregarding the practical tools we would normally use.
They Can Be Lengthy and Time-Consuming
Interview processes can stretch on for months, leaving candidates anxiously awaiting responses. Additionally, many companies impose extensive take-home projects that must be completed in a week, or they may require candidates to spend an entire day in the office for a shadowing experience.
A couple of years ago, I interviewed with a well-known company in Milan, which required me to complete three initial steps before tackling a take-home project that consumed many hours. At the time, I was also working as a developer, making the process even more challenging. To top it off, I was required to take a day off to work for free as part of a shadowing exercise.
Conclusion
The coding interview process remains deeply flawed in many sectors of the tech industry. There’s hope that employers will eventually adopt a more candidate-friendly approach that mirrors the actual responsibilities of the position.
As I conclude, I’d like to pose a couple of questions:
- Have you ever faced a negative experience during an interview?
- How would you enhance the interview process?
— Piero
For more insights, check out my guide on achieving financial freedom as a developer.
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