Ask HN: As a candidate do you ask your interviewer algorithmic questions?
I have been doing quite a few technical interviews lately (for a Software Engineer position) and I have slowly
begun asking my interviewers more and more technical questions when it is my
turn to ask questions. These are generally related to the algorithm question
that they wanted me to solve for them, but I have slowly been branching out to
asking my own algorithmic questions. I have, surprisingly, been met with varied
reactions like:
1) Awkward silence
2) A flat out refusal to answer any of my algorithmic interview questions
3) An excuse not to answer my questions, usually mentioning that we are running
out of time
On a few occasions the interviewer willingly answers my questions and we end up
having a great technical discussion and both parties involved learn something.
I think it is great because it shifts some of the nervousness back on the
interviewer to remind them that the candidate is probably nervous as well.
I am wondering why the power dynamic is so skewed towards the employer in these
situations? Is what I am doing considered so faux paus?
1) Awkward silence
2) A flat out refusal to answer any of my algorithmic interview questions
3) An excuse not to answer my questions, usually mentioning that we are running out of time
On a few occasions the interviewer willingly answers my questions and we end up having a great technical discussion and both parties involved learn something. I think it is great because it shifts some of the nervousness back on the interviewer to remind them that the candidate is probably nervous as well.
I am wondering why the power dynamic is so skewed towards the employer in these situations? Is what I am doing considered so faux paus?