I'm truly curious, for folks here that don't like the FANG (leetcode + system design) interview approach. What would you prefer:
- (framework x, language y, ....) trivia questions?
- take home type of assessments?
- make an app with X tech stack while someone else is looking over your shoulders?
- "tell me about what you are working on, and the tech stack you are using" type of conversation?
I have been in all this types of interview, and I find them to be all flawed, but I would prefer the system design type if I have to choose.
My last interview where I accepted the gig was two qa interviews in a conversational style format, I much prefer that over leetcode type questions. I'm DevOps rather than a software engineer though so YMMV.
I would prefer a take home assignment to the typical leetcode questions or a review of my work and code samples.
Interestingly I spoke with a former Microsoft Product Manager earlier this year and he told me "the most senior engineers give the worst interviews because you have to use parts of your brain that you haven't used in 20 years".
I live in Los Angeles and years ago (and for most companies where I work) algo interviews are not a thing but this year I've been getting contacted non-stop by recruiters including several FAANG so I've been cramming leetcode and it's not fun.
I've come to realize that by cramming leetcode I'm also missing out on important topics such as security, real-world performance, and other things that I used to actively study.
But at the price Silicon Valley companies pay it can be worth it I guess.
I have been in all this types of interview, and I find them to be all flawed, but I would prefer the system design type if I have to choose.