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> PhD from Princeton and they couldn't analyze a basic design question

Yea, it's a very different mentality to get yourself into. I find the system design question to be the most fun. Anyone can learn to code, anyone can learn your style guide/convention, etc. Very few people can be:

1. Given a problem ("{A client,we} want...")

2. Come up with a solution ("Ok, we'll be able to...")

3. Implement that solution with no oversight or assistance while only asking for pointers on where existing things are defined ("I'm trying to X, Y does X, where does that code/config live?")

I mostly work at small startups that need to improve their engineering quality so most of the roles I am attempting to fill are engineers who can be a massive value add and lead projects on their own without much hand holding.

If I was instead working in a company where 99% of the work was maintenance, phone calls, and busy work I'd probably forgo this screen-er. I'd likely not work for that kind of company but it's just something to keep in mind.




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