Job Interviews at Tech Firms  

By Mindy Tanenbaum
Feature Author

Tech firms are invoking new ways to interview potential employees. Riddles, puzzles and brainteasers are some of the methods being used to test skills employees would actually apply on the job.

Solve a Math Problem to Get a Programming Job?

Internet and computer software companies are struggling to find qualified job candidates in an increasingly competitive market. While sit-down interviews have not gone by the wayside, people seeking work as consultants, computer programmers, software engineers, etc., are being asked to solve mathematical equations and participate in group games and other tests that help employers evaluate a candidate's ability to collaborate and think under pressure.

An Interview at Microsoft

Carl Tashian, a college senior, recently interviewed at Microsoft and said the process was not what he expected. During the interview he was asked first to solve a "simple math problem." The interviewer expected a mathematical proof, which Tashian hadn't done in many years. He couldn't do it, so the interview continued.

The next challenge given to Tashian was a word problem. "I want an office phone book. It should have names and phone numbers in it," the interviewer said. Tashian was expected to write some C++ code as a solution to search the phone book. It was a vague request, so Tashian probed for more direction. "I don't care how you do it, I'm just your manager," the interviewer replied. Tashian then went through several processes trying to please the interviewer and ended up explaining hash tables - how they work and how they applied to that particular exercise.

Assessing Ability of Job Candidates

Often, companies perform tactical interviews first, targeting exact skill sets of candidates. Online skills assessments are another option employers use to get a better idea about candidates' abilities; these may include solving technical problems, writing snippets of code, etc. And some companies rely on outside professional facilitators to conduct group exercises or interviews.

Employers realize that good people are difficult to find, and it's costly to bring someone in, only to discover later that they don't fit. So this new process allows them to find out more than they would in just a 30-minute interview.

Not by the Book -- Applying Your Tech Skills

Typically, employers try to include real-world puzzles and problems requiring the candidate to apply technical applications. Interviewers are not expecting textbook answers. So the candidate should be prepared to explain why they solved a problem or puzzle in a certain way, as well as provide alternative solutions.

In preparing for a tech job interview, have faith in what you already know. Brush up on your skills and be prepared to use your technical abilities for whatever the interview presents, whether it's a word problem or riddle. Be confident. You've got the knowledge -- now just apply it!

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