Hacker Newsnew | past | comments | ask | show | jobs | submitlogin

My go to interview question for the last few years has been kind of similar to this one, in that it's about looking at, exploring, and modifying code that already exists. I also let people look things up, ask stupid questions, etc.

You would not believe how many times I have to tell some people that it's not a trick, I really don't mind if they google something or use `man`. That I'm not trying to trick them into having to know what the arguments of pthread_create are by heart, or that yes they can compile the program in coderpad as many times as they want.

Really unfortunate that so much of the industry thinks interview questions should be like Shyamalan movies.

(also sadly I'm changing jobs soon and I'll have to abandon this question and I don't think it'd fly in the new job's interview policies anyways)



Consider applying for YC's Fall 2026 batch! Applications are open till July 27.

Guidelines | FAQ | Lists | API | Security | Legal | Apply to YC | Contact

Search: