Candidates often get nervous during interview.
The problem then is that it becomes difficult for them to think straight and this may affect their performance.
We, the interviewers, do not want that. We aim at creating the best environment so the interview feels like a conversation rather than an interrogation.
Here is a list of proven things any tech interview can use to help their candidate loosen up their nerves.
Interviewer Soft Skills
- be patient
- use humour
- act friendly
- do not interrogate
- allow thinking time
- avoid gloating if you know more than the candidate
Practical Advice
- clarify the question (provide context)
- offer a 3 minute break
- encourage the candidate
- avoid asking misleading questions
- offer small talk (great for distraction)
- offer options for answers
- focus on the strengths of the candidate
- do a warm-up - start with the easy questions
- focus on the strengths the candidate exhibits
- share a goofy work experience of your own ("πππ’ ππππ€, ππππ ππ‘ π€πππ, ...")
- normalise the feeling "πΌ ππππ€ π¦ππ’ πππ ππππ£ππ’π , πΌ π€ππ’ππ ππ π‘ππ, ππ’π‘ π‘βπππ ππ πππ‘βπππ π‘π π€ππππ¦ ππππ’π‘."
(a misleading irrelevant question) Don't you think JavaScript is better than Python for web development?
Positive Reinforcement
- say "πΊππππ‘" when they say something that is correct
- nod in encouragement (this one makes sure wonders happen β€οΈ)
- say "πΌπ‘ ππ ππππ¦ πππ‘ π‘π βππ£π ππ πππ π€ππ π‘π ππ£πππ¦ ππ’ππ π‘πππ, ππ’π‘ ππ π¦ππ’ πππ’ππ ππππ ππ ππππ’π‘ ππ‘, π€βππ‘ π€ππ’ππ π¦ππ’ π ππ¦?"
Provide the answer the candidate struggles with. THey will learn something during their interview and will never forget the amazing candidate experience you created for them.
This is how I would answer the question. I would use a heap to find the median of a sequence of numbers. The reason behind this is ...