As a soon-to-be graduate, I've been thinking about how AI has become such a big part of software development. Many new grads might rely on AI for their projects, and I'm starting to worry about how that'll impact job interviews. Should I be concerned about this reliance on AI, or is it okay to use it while interviewing?
8 Answers
Keep in mind that AI is everywhere now, but it’s important to develop your own skills too. Balance between using tools and being capable on your own will serve you well in the long run.
I work at a company that encourages using AI and other resources. In interviews, I’ve seen candidates use docs and other references, as long as they explain what they're doing. The process truly varies from one company to another, though, so adapt accordingly.
From my experience interviewing candidates, there are definitely people who try to cheat the system, like looking things up on Google. It’s pretty obvious when they do because the screen color changes. Nowadays, I focus on understanding a candidate's thought process rather than just asking technical questions, which really shows their problem-solving skills. It's way more effective in my opinion.
Exactly! I just want to see if a candidate can come up with solutions. Knowing algorithms is one thing, but applying them to vague problems is a whole different skill.
Don’t stress too much! Just make sure your skills are solid. There are plenty of horror stories out there about people who relied too heavily on AI and then struggled during interviews. Just keep practicing and trust your abilities.
There are companies that have different policies about using AI in interviews. Regardless, it's best to be prepared to code without it. If you depend solely on AI, you might just halve your job opportunities if you encounter interviewers who don’t allow it.
That definitely makes sense. Being well-prepared can't hurt!
Honestly, it really depends on the interviewer. If you can use any resources and demonstrate your thought process, you should be fine. But if you're completely lost without AI, you might want to adjust your study approach.
Here's the thing—if you can’t code without AI, you might want to reevaluate how you’re preparing. It's more about knowing how to find info rather than memorizing everything.
Both companies I've worked for since AI tools gained popularity were very clear: if you use AI in an interview, you’re out. We let candidates Google or ask questions, but AI is a no-go. It’s just the expectation now.
I had a similar experience where I told a candidate it was fine to Google things, as long as he shared what he was looking for. Yet, he was scrolling through Google while claiming he wasn't using it! Definitely made me question his honesty.