Ask HN: What to do about ‘Good at programming Bad at Leetcode’

Re:Ask HN: What to do about ‘Good at programming Bad at Leet... by TheOtherHobbes on Friday May 20, 2022 @03:43PM (#31451693)

Yes, exactly this. Leetcode isn't just an irrelevant skill in these situations, it's the wrong skill. Algorithmic optimisations are pointless if you can't assess how much value they generate.

MAANG seems to use Leetcode as a legal proxy for conscientiousness and IQ without testing for other relevant qualities such as strategic insight, creativity, and other skills that are essential for a successful business.

There's no problem with testing for basic coding ability, but if you're not selecting for broader skills - preferably with some diversity - you get the same old leet monoculture causing the same familiar delivery and stability issues.

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Re:Ask HN: What to do about ‘Good at programming Bad at Leet... by mring33621 on Friday May 20, 2022 @05:27PM (#31452725)

I think this style of interviewing also serves as a proxy for age discrimination and/or to detect personal work/life balance values that don't favor the prospective employer.

If you aren't willing to dedicate a considerable part of your unpaid, personal time to an activity that they mandate, you aren't a good fit for them.

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