Why do most software developers fail to answer algorithms questions even though they had a Computer Science degree? (Asked by Marketing People)

Great Answer By : Mark Harrison

If companies hired marketing people like you want to hire programmers:

The interviewer is sitting at the table. Enter Mr. Jenkins, the candidate: stage right

So, Mr. Jenkins, you’ve been director of Marketing at BigCo for the last 5 years?

Yes, I have. Over that time, BigCo grew from number 4 in the industry to become number 1 in the market, while maintaining the highest margins in the industry.

That’s all very well, but let’s turn to the serious questions… Can you explain how Shakespeare’s presentation of the descent into madness Lady MacBeth differs from the similar descent of Desdomona?

What? Are you serious?

Come on, Mr. Jenkins, you have a degree in English. This is standard stuff…

But, I thought I was here to talk about the sorts of things that might be relevant to the role of Director of Marketing.

Mr. Jenkins, I’ve asked a question about madness in Shakespeare. You can use the whiteboard if you want, but no using Google.

I can’t.

Well, I’m afraid that this company isn’t for you, Mr. Jenkins.

But what about my experience of BigCo?

Come on, we’re looking for people who can answer the sorts of questions that come up at University, not people with a track record of delivery. What sort of company do you think we are?

Does that feel a good way to hire a marketing head?

Why is it different from software developers? Are you under the impression that the work we do is similar to algorithm design?

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