When Interviewers Lack Solutions: Job Interviews and the Reality of Technical Challenges

Introduction

When the conversation around job interviews turns to technical challenges, one recurring question often surfaces: Would interviewers at technology companies ever ask a problem they themselves can't solve? Indeed, this scenario does happen, and it raises various ethical and professional concerns. In this article, we will explore such instances, examining the experiences and viewpoints of both interviewees and interviewers.

Experiences of Interviewee: A Tricky Problem on the Whiteboard

Case Study: A Small Company’s Challenge

Recently, during a job interview at a smaller company focusing on low-level software development tasks such as device drivers, bit twiddling, and signal processing, an interviewer posed a seemingly straightforward question: determine if a given unsigned integer is a power of two. The task was to write a C function on a whiteboard within the span of 15 seconds. With a bit of mathematical insight, the solution boiled down to two lines of C code, potentially translating to just a few assembly opcodes. This straightforward solution prompted the interviewer's surprise and a valuable lesson on using bitwise operations.

Interviewer’s Perspective: Preparation and Ethical Considerations

Interviewer’s Preparedness

As an interviewer, it is essential to be well-prepared for any technical question. Interviews often present challenging situations, and it's crucial for interviewers to have a clear understanding of the problem space. Many interviewers, like those who prepared for the candidate mentioned earlier, do their homework. They research possible solutions, prepare follow-up questions, and calibrate the difficulty of the questions to reflect real-world scenarios.

Ethical Interview Practices

Interviews should be a fair and transparent process. If an interviewer asks a question they can't solve on the spot, it may undermine the credibility of the interview process. It’s crucial for interviewers to know the answer or have resources at hand to provide immediate feedback. This ensures that the candidate is assessed fairly and that the company promotes a positive and ethical work environment.

Interviewee’s Strategy and Expectations

Responding to Unknown Problems

If an interviewee encounters a problem they can't solve, it doesn’t necessarily negate their chances of getting hired. However, it is wise to evaluate the context. If the interviewer seems open to discussion and the problem is complex, the candidate might be able to offer insights or alternatives. In such cases, it shows the candidate’s problem-solving skills and willingness to contribute creatively even in difficult scenarios.

Understanding the Interview Conditions

Interview conditions can significantly influence performance. A problem posed in a stressful, fast-paced interview situation may require different skills compared to solving the same problem at a calmer, more reflective pace. It's essential to understand the context and the expectations set by the interviewer. If the candidate feels that the problem is beyond their scope and the interviewer promises a fair evaluation, it indicates a promise of integrity and fairness.

Conclusion

While it is rare for interviewers to ask problems they can't solve, both interviewers and interviewees face unique challenges. Preparing thoroughly and adhering to ethical interview practices are key for interviewers, while demonstrating critical thinking and adaptability are crucial for candidates. A fair and transparent process ensures that both parties benefit and that the hiring process is equitable and representative of real-world skills and scenarios.

Keywords: job interview, technical interview, software engineering