Are Buzz Words Important in an Interview?
This question is a large stumbling stone for many people trying to get a job. There is one thing that everyone will agree on; if you use a buzz word make sure you not only have a clear understanding of what the word means, but you can clearly explain the word.
For example I was interviewing a candidate for an entry level programming position on my team. I asked the question what is multiple inheritance and when would it be use it. The answer that was given made it clear that the candidate was introduced to the term in passing in school, but had no real clue to what multiple inheritance was. For the most part the interview was over. It would have been more beneficial if the candidate had said they were not sure, but they thought it might be …
On the other hand, I was in an interview one time and talked about TDD and how I have used it. Since I have used TDD for so long it has become clear that TDD makes more decoupled components. When components are decoupled then the system naturally becomes more flexible and maintainable. However, I never used these terms directly and that lead to me not getting the job.
From these and many other experiences I have come up with two thoughts:
1 – For the interviewee, beware during the interview for opportunities when the interviewer may be hunting for a particular term and state it clearly. If you are not sure the interviewer is looking for a particular term, ask a question to the interviewer that includes something about the term. This will now put the control of the situation in you court.
2 – For the interviewers, if you want to know if a candidate knows a particular term just ask it. If you just let the conversation go “its way” the interviewee may never talk about the particular term you are looking for. In this situation the only thing you are left to ask yourself about the candidate is do they know that particular term, or are they assuming that other issues addressed, in some way, that particular term. In any case the wrong conclusion may be made and you may either hire someone who does not perform to your expectations, or worst you may skip over someone that will have a real impact to your business.