Whiteboard coding interview

Mar 7, 2018 31 Comments

Completed 6 interview in last 2 weeks , offer from 2 . All rejections from where I had to write code on a whiteboard and all offer from interview where I used a laptop for coding.

Is whiteboarding a fair interview practice ?

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TOP 31 Comments
  • Offer from G , Lyft
    Mar 7, 2018 14
    • Microsoft / Eng
      AmlEvil

      Go to company page Microsoft Eng

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      Sinful birth under the cross
      AmlEvil
      People have all kinds of opinions about what you should or should not use and how.

      For instance, I definitely think SOMETHING when I see somebody using Notepad++. I do kind of judge them, a little bit. It’s not really fair, but I can’t help it.

      So, I don’t want others doing it to me in the context of a job interview, which is often about first impressions.
      Mar 7, 2018
    • Microsoft / Eng
      AmlEvil

      Go to company page Microsoft Eng

      BIO
      Sinful birth under the cross
      AmlEvil
      I remember I once used my unlicensed version of Sublime, and it popped up its nagging dialog. That was embarrassing!

      So, don’t want to air my dirty setup laundry in front of an audience whose purpose is to judge me.
      Mar 7, 2018
  • Do you mind telling the names of the companies? I wouldn't blame whiteboard as the reason why you failed.
    Mar 7, 2018 0
  • Microsoft / Eng
    AmlEvil

    Go to company page Microsoft Eng

    BIO
    Sinful birth under the cross
    AmlEvil
    You know what’s worse? AirBnB’s style is to have you solve the problem on a whiteboard, then write the code on a laptop.

    If you interview there, I suggest ditching the whiteboard early, or you may have trouble with finishing on time.
    Mar 7, 2018 0
  • FB, splunk , qumulo , offerup
    Mar 7, 2018 3
  • Amazon
    RBMY63

    Go to company page Amazon

    RBMY63
    I have given a candidate my computer to code on when they said outright they were bad at coding on the whiteboard and would not be able to complete the interviews if required.
    Have you asked for accommodation? The whiteboard is normal and you should be able to do it, but it can’t hurt to ask. They should still be able to engage you, but it might be more intimate if they are right up on you while you type.
    Mar 7, 2018 0