It was a panel interview. Candidates should review technical concepts, terminology, frameworks, and design pattern knowledge. Some questions felt quite textbook-based, but that is their interview style and not necessarily a concern. However, I am concerned about the interviewer's manner and reactions whenever an incorrect or incomplete answer was given.
When I was unfamiliar with a topic, I would honestly tell them that I had not yet been exposed to it but was actively learning. But one of the interviewers, whom I will refer to as “S”, appeared visibly shocked whenever I could not answer certain questions, as if I were the most ignorant person he had ever met. This changed the tone of the interview significantly and made it feel less like a professional job interview and more like an academic oral examination.
I am okay with undergoing a skills assessment and would be totally fine if they found me unfit for the role. However, I was strongly discouraged by inappropriate expressions and reactions of “S”.
On multiple occasions, this guy “S” responded with a sarcastic smile or laugh, wide-eyed expressions of disbelief and shock, and comments such as:
• "You don't know that?!"
• "Oh my God, didn't they teach you that in school?!”
These responses came across as belittling and dismissive, making the interview feel very uncomfortable and unprofessional. Again, it felt more like a university-style academic assessment than a technical job interview. Job interviews should challenge candidates, but I believe they should also maintain a respectful atmosphere where candidates can demonstrate their knowledge without feeling belittled for gaps in experience or being subjected to judgmental and sarcastic reactions.
It gave me the impression that the interviewer valued being "right" more than assessing potential.
I also believe that a better alignment during the HR screening process is needed before scheduling the interview, to ensure that the candidate meets at least the interviewers' minimum standards to prevent such negative interview experience.
I wanted to cut the interview short, but we still completed it, even though I regret not ending it earlier. Due to the toxic atmosphere, I could no longer fully engage or perform at my best.
Overall, I have no issue with being assessed rigorously or being considered unsuitable for a role. However, I believe that the behavior of this guy "S” is a red flag, and it may reflect the working culture within the company and how people are treated internally. The experience left me with concerns on how they conduct code reviews, team discussions, and handling mistakes.