Are AI Tools Helpful or Harmful in Technical Interviews?

Having AI knowledge is important today, but fundamental coding skills can't be overlooked. In my experience with DevOps interviews, candidates should still be able to solve problems without AI. If companies let you use it, they risk hiring someone who might rely on it during critical situations. So, while I adjust my expectations, it's still crucial to see how candidates approach tasks without assistance.

Interviews today are a mix. While AI tools are often used for initial screenings and take-home assignments, live interviews usually forbid AI to evaluate your genuine skills under pressure. Companies that ban AI completely could either be stuck in the past or genuinely want to maintain Process integrity. Regardless, it's beneficial to be proficient in both using AI and tackling problems manually.

If a company has a no-AI policy, it suggests they value fundamental skills. They want to ensure candidates can troubleshoot and debug issues without relying entirely on tools. It’s not that AI is bad; it's just that over-reliance can lead to superficial knowledge that may not cut it during real problems.

Companies often want to see if you can code without any external help. Even though many engineers rely on resources like Google or AI in their day-to-day work, during interviews, they prefer candidates who can demonstrate problem-solving abilities without those crutches. They think it shows a higher level of understanding and intellect to tackle complex problems on your own.

If you're completely dependent on AI tools during an interview, it becomes hard for interviewers to gauge your individuality and capabilities. Also, in scenarios where the internet is down, it's crucial to be able to perform tasks without those tools. How will they know you have the essential skills without seeing you tackle challenges on your own?