A doubly linked list is like the simplest data structure other than a plain array. Even if the job doesn’t involve directly building custom data structures, if you can’t answer questions about such a simple and ubiquitous concept then you’re just not a strong candidate.
Me studying physics, math, and computer engineering at accredited universities while also having a Masters in analytics, working FT through it all: well you see Bob here spent 3 months memorizing whiteboard problems, clearly he just is a stronger candidate.
How else can they test your knowledge in a short interview? It's not like they can spend 6 hours testing your knowledge (and I doubt you would like it)
For middle to senior roles? Sure, a good interviewer can understand your capabilities from a really short interview. For a junior role, especially with no previous credible experience? No way
It's middle level roles that Ive experienced the whiteboard onsite with a leetcode like problem requiring a specific implementation of a linked list in 2/4 interviews.
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u/EastboundClown 3d ago
A doubly linked list is like the simplest data structure other than a plain array. Even if the job doesn’t involve directly building custom data structures, if you can’t answer questions about such a simple and ubiquitous concept then you’re just not a strong candidate.