[throwaway_009]

I realized that everyone needs a base level of algorithms knowledge to write and design good software. Ideally it is pretty basic (leetcode easy), but the initial employees at FAANG companies decided to have a hazing ritual by creating increasingly complicated questions (e.g. leetcode hard) and it is exacerbated by a large number of kids from universities who mindlessly play this game. It spread to all other tech companies too and the process is just destructive.

I don't see an end to this. Its as if all companies expect people to be competitive programmers, and they optimize only on one parameter :/

[protonimitate]

This is the real answer. There is a huge difference between base line knowledge of ds/algos and what is being expected of candidates (especially juniors!).

It's more about the company/interviewer ego than actually hiring someone who can provide value.

[dillonmckay]

The rules of the game seem to be well-known at this point.

If one desires a job at a FAANG, it is fairly clear what ‘skills’ are expected to be demo’ed during the interview process.

It is as flawed as the SAT for college admission, but again, the individual knows what to focus on to maximize a successful outcome.

[throwaway_009]

Since the rules are known, the threshold has increased so much that people don't see any issue when leetcode hard questions are common place.

I have seen multiple instances where the interview questions are ridiculous by any sane terms. It incentivizes gaming the system by just getting good at algorithms and not building up other skills.

Just as an example, look at Google as a new user (without any brand context). The design is terrible, the product management is terrible, the hideous search bar everytime you open the android home screen, etc. all in my opinion caused by optimizing for one attribute in 99% of the hires. It causes them to think "oh well the data says people don't mind the change", but you can't track the growing discontent of the customer base. And you are a monopoly so don't have to give a shit about UX anyways.

[cyberprunes]

Ah, that gets to heart of the problem!