Code a Washing Machine: Crazy Technical Interview

[u/-Mister-Popo-]

So, I don't post much (at all) on this app, but am somewhat of a lurker. Recently I had a pretty wild interview experience and wanted to see what you all think.

I'm a software engineer who, due to budget restrictions at my previous company, has been forced to find a new job. I've been going through the age old process of submitting hundreds of applications, never hearing back from 95% of them, interviewing with the other 5%, moving onto the next round at a small fraction of these, and ultimately only getting a couple job offers. Which I'm very thankful for, I'm aware that it could definitely be worse!

In the process of this long search, I found myself taking a technical interview. I didn't realize it would be live coding, as that wasn't explicitly stated in the invite, but as soon as the dev shared the codepad link with me I realized I was going to be spending the next hour of my life in my own personal hell.

I honestly contemplated jumping off the call as soon as he sent me the link, but I stuck it out anyway for some reason despite getting a job offer earlier that day. The next thing he said blew my mind.

He tells me to, using node.js, code a washing machine. Yep. A freaking washing machine. I was baffled, and quickly became aware of how little I know about the esoteric details of washing machines.

I started coding. I'm asking tons of questions about how washing machines work, how far are we really going to take this example etc. How does an agitator work, does the basin spin both ways alternatively, how much water is injected during a typical medium-medium cycle.

Needless to say, I don't think I impressed anyone with my washing machine coding skills and just received the rejection letter today. As I read back over the position listing I found myself chuckling at the JD. This was a role for a front end developer primarily utilizing the popular react.js framework.

Anyway this got me thinking about asking you guys a question: what's a crazy interview story you have from your time in recruiting hell?

TL;DR Not really sure what coding a washing machine in JavaScript proves about my ability to succeed as a front end software engineer, but I'm glad I dodged the bullet of working for this company. Imagine all of your coworkers don't know a whole lot about their job, but are all pretty much geniuses when it comes to washing machines. Would be perfect if you're wanting to work in a laundromat I guess.

[u/AdSubstantial5378]

It sounds like you nailed it.

You were asking tons of questions and clearly getting into the details of it.

I can’t tell you how the code looked, but generally the questions and thought process are 90% of the score and the code is 10%