There was a study conducted some time ago within the past year or so (it had a long discussion thread here, naturally) where it was discovered that when allowed to solve a whiteboard puzzle in a room alone, candidates performed far better. Now obviously communications soft skills must be tested. But perhaps the format can be tweaked so the candidate has some time to crack at a problem on their own prior to be asked to explain it.
The "niceness" of the interviewers is irrelevant. The power differential at stake sparks a survival instinct that leads to stress. (e.g. they literally hold power over your future meal prospects.) Though perhaps in others, it invigorates them with a sense of purpose, cool, and collectedness. Perhaps that is truly the 10x engineer.
The "niceness" of the interviewers is irrelevant. The power differential at stake sparks a survival instinct that leads to stress. (e.g. they literally hold power over your future meal prospects.) Though perhaps in others, it invigorates them with a sense of purpose, cool, and collectedness. Perhaps that is truly the 10x engineer.