[davismwfl]

I don't think asking your own unrelated algorithm question is a positive thing when done as part of "your turn for questions"; as overall it is likely to turn off a large number of hiring managers. Think of it this way, with the tiny bit of knowledge they have about you if the impression you leave them with is that you feel you need to be the smartest guy in the room you likely have an ego that their team doesn't need or want. Of course all that depends on how it is done, but if the question wasn't somehow related to help the me (as the interviewer) see how you are a good fit it would be my conclusion pretty fast.

Normally in a good interview environment the conversation will naturally lead to a situation where a candidate asks a tough question or an algorithm etc. Or as happened to me once, they asked me why we didn't use Y, to which my answer was WTF is Y and why would you suggest it as an option here? I was genuinely curious why he felt it might be a good fit and it led to some awesome discussions where he proved to professionally kick my ass in the details. We made an offer that evening to him because as we all sat and talked about his interviews he had made really great observations and was an awesome team fit.

So I think if done as part of the interview conversation fine, but if you are doing it to just try and leave an impression or have a ego contest it is a stupid idea. And I do think you are right to ask non-softball type questions of a potential employer, its a big decision on both parts so you should know what you are getting into too. It really boils down to how it is done.

[nry]

I could have worded the post better, but I definitely meant as part of the interview conversation. (I definitely know I am not the smartest guy in the room, nor do I want to be).

I had an interview recently where my solution was O(n^2), which I could tell was bad. I asked the interviewer if he code show me/code up the more efficient solution he mentioned previously. He mentioned that we didn't have time and dismissed my request which is very disheartening.

[davismwfl]

I hear you, I don't always word things the best either.

I think your example here is a fair question, but if there is still a lot to cover I may not take the opportunity to answer it either and instead move on to the next part of the interview, if your answer/question gave me what I needed from you. e.g. you gave an answer, and you knew it wasn't the best but were willing to look for other options and collaborate. That said, many times I am the guy who wants to talk through it with you because learning your thought process to me is WAY more important than whether you got the right answer.

[lingua_franca]

" you feel you need to be the smartest guy in the room you likely have an ego "

you pretty much hit the nail on the head.