[pacaro]

Randomness is definitely a factor, there are so many things that can go wrong, from having a bad day, an interviewer having a bad day, just bad luck on the set of questions you are asked, the list goes on.

I have performed a lot of coding interviews (probably 400+), I'm painfully aware of how limited the signal is that I can reliably read from 45 minutes with a candidate

I deliberately ask a question that has no algorithmic or data structure component to it (and tell candidates that) it's just a simple problem solving coding question which allows some insight into general coding and engineering chops

I still see experienced engineers struggle. It is hard to pinpoint exactly why, but lack of preparation/practice definitely seems to be a problem

Covid appears (at least for me) to have killed off the whiteboard

[the_af]

> I still see experienced engineers struggle

I've seen experienced engineers who I know for a fact can code and solve problems decently completely freeze and blank out during easy live coding challenges.

I think interviewing is a stressful situation. It's hard for reasons outside an applicant's knowledge or intelligence. Interviewing seems to be a skill in itself. I know I hate it... :(

[sethammons]

I give out a certain coding question to my candidates. I recently interviewed and was given the exact question - and I blanked! Like, this was a coding kata style problem that I’ve done in several languages and seen done in others. I just absolutely blanked. Brains are strange.