I don't think writing a merge sort is either a trick question or an esoteric puzzle. Neither is using a whiteboard during a tech interview. It's very common. I'm sorry this author had a bad experience with it.
For me, it's all about mindset. Interviews are a two way street. Talk to the interviewer, they're people too. If there are assholes, then whatever, you've still learned more and gotten to an better outcome for you.
If you don't know the language you're asked to write something in, ask to change it to something you do know. If the interviewer says language X is required for the job just be upfront about it. Stop the interview right there and address that issue. 'Look, I don't know/haven't used x in a while. Can I use y with the understanding that I need to come up to speed quickly? Otherwise, we can get our days back.'
The shame here is that the author is still clearly bitter about something that happened 6 years ago and the interviewer probably chalked it up to another hack who can't even implement a merge sort.
For me, it's all about mindset. Interviews are a two way street. Talk to the interviewer, they're people too. If there are assholes, then whatever, you've still learned more and gotten to an better outcome for you.
If you don't know the language you're asked to write something in, ask to change it to something you do know. If the interviewer says language X is required for the job just be upfront about it. Stop the interview right there and address that issue. 'Look, I don't know/haven't used x in a while. Can I use y with the understanding that I need to come up to speed quickly? Otherwise, we can get our days back.'
The shame here is that the author is still clearly bitter about something that happened 6 years ago and the interviewer probably chalked it up to another hack who can't even implement a merge sort.