[gv83]

Programming inside a business is more about going to company parties than programming fast. And I prefer people who don’t program fast, but that program for the future of the business. You might be better suited for a different career shape like foss maintainer or small, highly technical companies

[lnxg33k1]

I don't have anything to say about the programming fast, because that's an assumption, I've had problem solving solutions fast, but overall I spend the time to make sure the app is tested and maintainable, but why should tech people care about company parties, what value does it add for the company? I'd like to understand that because I usually adopt ideas I agree with when I am explained, last time was "To make people connect to facilitate conflict resolution" as if when I have conflicts with people I don't know I shoot them

[gv83]

I dont think there is a single answer like "facilitate conflict resolution", it's more of a matter of generally fitting in the corporate world, being able to build relations in that world, and not give the interviewer confirmation about its bias against "huge nerds that ace every technical challenge but then don't shower and can't talk to people without snarky remarks". yes, the bias is alive and well, and in general programming is a communications job (we communicate with stakeholders and then communicate with machines, but instead of studying marketing we study programming languages)

but let's not derail, "no i dont want to go to company parties" = "doesnt want to socialize" - "doesnt want to submit to the company" - "will probably be a hassle to work with" - "can't communicate" - and so on.

again, think hard about a different career angle in tech if you dislike these things, you might enjoy it more

[iepathos]

Getting to know your coworkers in more social environments eases interactions with them in the workplace. As a senior/staff level engineer working with and coordinating across teams, socializing to build repertoire and ease these interactions pays dividends quickly. HR asking if you'll go to company parties is their indirect way of probing to see if you could handle this aspect to fit a senior role, but it's not imo the best way to find out if someone can handle this. As someone who doesn't drink alcohol, I totally understand where you're coming from not wanting to go to parties or bars after work. I try to socialize before and after meetings with coworkers, during lunch breaks, etc. outside of party/drinking scenarios.