Why, “System Design” Interviews are a Game of Luck?

System design interviews have become a crucial part of technical interviews, especially for senior software engineering roles. However, there is a growing sentiment among many candidates and interviewees that these interviews are often a game of luck rather than a true assessment of one’s skills and abilities.

Let’s explore why system design interviews are commonly perceived as a game of luck.

Ambiguity in Expectations

System design interviews often lack clear, universally accepted standards for what constitutes a “good” design. Interviewers may have different expectations and evaluation criteria, leading to ambiguity for candidates. What works for one interviewer might not work for another, creating an element of unpredictability and luck in the interview process.

Interviewer’s Knowledge and Bias

The outcome of a system design interview can heavily depend on the knowledge and experience of the interviewer. In some cases, an interviewer’s biases or lack of understanding of a particular approach can influence the assessment. This introduces an element of chance as to whether an interviewer will align with the candidate’s design choices and explanations.

Time Constraints and Pressure

System design interviews often impose strict time constraints, requiring candidates to develop and present a solution within a limited timeframe. The pressure of time can lead to hurried decisions or oversights that may not truly reflect a candidate’s capabilities. Luck can significantly influence how well a candidate performs under these time constraints.

Unpredictability of Interview Prompt

The prompt given in system design interviews can vary widely, and candidates may encounter scenarios they have not previously prepared for. The luck factor comes into play when a candidate happens to have prior experience or knowledge relevant to the given prompt, giving them an advantage over others who may be less familiar with the specific scenario.

Subjectivity in Evaluation

System design interviews often involve subjective evaluation. The interpretation of a candidate’s design choices and the perceived complexity or scalability of their solution can vary among interviewers. This subjectivity introduces an element of luck, as a candidate’s performance may be more or less positively received based on the individual preferences of the interviewer.

In conclusion,

the perceived luck game in system design interviews stems from the ambiguity of expectations, the influence of the interviewer’s knowledge and bias, time constraints, unpredictability of prompts, and the subjectivity in evaluation criteria.

It is essential for organizations to acknowledge these factors and strive for greater standardization and objectivity in the assessment process to ensure that system design interviews truly reflect a candidate’s skills and expertise, rather than leaving the outcome to chance. Likewise, candidates can prepare by honing their skills, gaining exposure to diverse design scenarios, and seeking feedback to mitigate the influence of luck in these interviews.