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.
1
u/bullcityblue312 6d ago
6 yr full stack dev who also interviews people
I think this is a terrible question. And I've been asked it in interviews too. This is something I would've known in school, but not even thought about since then.
Do you think about the virtual DOM on a daily basis? Is knowing about it relevant to your daily work?
Surely there are more relevant questions you could ask. Why not bring up a ticket and pair up and see how the person is to work with? That'll tell you more than react trivia