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by ctdonath 4435 days ago
The one thing that really has to go is whiteboard coding.

A smart candidate will bring a notebook computer, loaded with suitable IDEs etc ready to go, without being asked to. Impresses people when you tell them to continue the interview while you write the requested code (multitasking, competent enough to spare nontrivial brain cycles answering unrelated questions).
2 comments
aaronem 4435 days ago
Judging by the downvotes, this isn't something HN commenters find advisable. It's also something I hadn't thought of, and as I am currently looking for a new position, I wondered whether it was something I should consider doing.

Will some of those with opinions of this suggestion describe those opinions, so that I can better evaluate whether or not it's actually worth considering? Thanks!

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jorkro 4434 days ago
As I'm responsible for a small development department, I regularly do interviews including written tests. If one of the candidates would ask me if they could do it on their notebook, I would probably say no, as it sort of defeats the purpose.

However, I don't think bringing your notebook to show off some of your work is a bad idea.

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ctdonath 4434 days ago
How does it defeat the purpose? We don't code on whiteboards, so just the mental transition of coding with a pen while standing up - under stress to boot - is not a good indicator of using proper tools the normal way.

Downvotes? Meh. Taking a notebook and writing the solution with sensible tools - while fielding unrelated questions from 4 interviewers - got me an offer.

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ctdonath 4434 days ago
In the age of ultraportable computers and free/cheap IDEs, why would a software engineer not take his toolbox, prepared to demonstrate his abilities on demand? Doing so got me two offers.

Why the downvotes?

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