Is it better to say i dont know or give a half response?
If you are asked a question during a senior sde interview to talk about a part of the language or framework you know a little about, is it better to attempt it? For example, they ask what is X used for? If i used X frequently a long time ago but can only give a short high level response now should i say: 1. I used it a lot back for <general usage of X>, very short response since i cant remember details 2. Try to remember details as you go along and play off like you know 3. I don't know
It's been a long time since I've used it. I'm familiar, but I would have to look it up. It wouldn't take long to refresh.
option 1
4. Excuse yourself to go to the bathroom and google it.
Don’t talk out your ass. They know more about X and hence they’re quizzing you and will know you’re bullshitting. If you don’t know, talk about Y and how you used Y to solve similar problems to X and you are very interested in working more with X given the right opportunity. This is still bullshit, but much better bullshit.
Don’t do this. It’s much better to be upfront and provide clear answer rather than answering something else. You definitely have to start with truth.
Disagree. You are truthful that you don’t know X, but you know what it’s used for and you’ve used a competitive product, and you’re showing interest to learn. How is this a worse answer than “I dunno boss. Next question?”
When I interview people I don't dock points for saying "I don't know", of course I don't give points either. But if you start making shit up it will be much worse for you. I much prefer people who say "I'm not sure, but this is what I recall" or something in that vain.
It is akin to knowing what a library is used for and some keywords but forgot how the keywords relate. So i'll throw out some keywords-does that count as making things up?
I'm not sure what you mean. For example of I ask you how HTTPS works and you throw out some magic words like encryption, SSL, and certificates, without being able to at least loosely explain how it all fits together then I will take it as making things up. I don't need you to explain Diffie-Helman, but I do expect you to know what the certs are used for and PKI to some degree.
I'd say start by being honest, but then say you can try your best to figure it out. They'll likely figure out if you're bullshitting.