Sahil Gaba, an Indian-origin software engineer based in Seattle, has garnered significant attention for his approach to excelling in coding interviews. With over six years of experience, including positions at tech giants like Google and Amazon, Gaba shared his insights on LinkedIn, emphasising the pivotal role of interviewers during the hiring process.
In his post, Gaba challenged the traditional perception of interviewers as mere evaluators, suggesting instead that candidates should view them as invaluable resources. He outlined several strategies to leverage this perspective:
Ask clarifying questions before coding: Engaging the interviewer with pertinent questions can elicit helpful hints and ensure a clear understanding of the problem.
Think aloud: By vocalising their thought process, candidates allow interviewers to provide subtle guidance, especially if they're veering off track.
Address challenges openly: When encountering difficulties, discussing potential approaches invites collaboration and demonstrates problem-solving skills.
Gaba recounted a personal experience during an Amazon interview where he faced a complex dynamic programming problem. Instead of succumbing to pressure, he discussed two potential solutions with the interviewer, who subtly indicated the more viable approach. This interaction underscored his belief that interviewers prefer engaging in thoughtful discussions over passively observing candidates.
The post resonated widely, attracting numerous comments. Notably, Google's official LinkedIn account acknowledged Gaba's insights, commenting, "Thanks for sharing awesome tips, Sahil."
Professionals from various fields also shared their perspectives: A user remarked, "This completely changed my perspective on interviews. Never thought of the interviewer as an ally before!"
Another commented, "This makes so much sense! Asking the right questions can actually guide the interview in your favour."
A software engineer shared, "I was always afraid to ask too many questions in an interview, but this post makes me rethink that strategy."
A recruiter added, "From an interviewer’s point of view, I love when candidates engage in a conversation rather than just answering mechanically."
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