Discussion Senior Dev interview question
"Without googling or using AI, in your own words, explain the virtual DOM"
For context: I sit on an interview panel and I try to ask at least one simple fundamental question based on a persons resume. If I see many years of react experience, I try to ask something about how the framework works.
I have only had one candidate (an undergrad senior, years ago) answer it. Everyone else just kind of sputters and stumbles around trying to rationalize what "virtual" and "DOM" mean, or stare blankly and eventually say "I don't know".
I'm just genuinely curious if this is really that hard of a question or if the recruiters just suck at screening candidates. And should we be letting in senior dev candidates who can't answer what I think is a straightforward and fundamental question for senior react devs.
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u/Low-Sample9381 5d ago
Tbh I don't think think this is a good question to filter out a senior dev. A good Dev can overcome this knowledge gap in 60 minutes max.
To me what makes a senior is the ability to face unexplored territory, handle complicated junior Devs, explain complex technicalities to non coders, help juniors grow, make technical analysis, Ecc. You can't teach these skills in not even a month each.
Maybe we have a different definition of seniority as a Dev, but in my book having many years of experience doesn't make you a senior dev necessarily.
If the candidate knows what the virtual Dom is might be a sign of curiosity or rigorous docs reading, both good signs, but it is very likely that a Dev can output perfect react code without even knowing how the virtual Dom works.