Can I Search Google or Lookup Online Resources During a Programming Interview?

The question of whether it's acceptable to use Google or online resources during a programming interview is often a topic of debate. Most interviews are designed to assess your problem-solving skills, coding abilities, and comprehension of core concepts without the assistance of external aids. However, there are varying rules depending on the company, the interview format, and the specific type of interview you are attending.

Types of Programming Interviews

Technical Interviews and Coding Challenges

During standard technical interviews or coding challenges, you are generally expected to solve problems from scratch, demonstrating your thought process and coding skills without any external help. This aligns with the goal of assessing your fundamental problem-solving abilities and your coding proficiency. The intention is to evaluate your understanding and application of programming concepts rather than your ability to find answers online.

System Design Interviews

In system design interviews, you may be asked to design systems on the spot, and while discussing concepts and referring to your previous knowledge is acceptable, you typically will not be allowed to look things up. This is to ensure that you can demonstrate your knowledge and thought process without the crutch of external resources.

Take-Home Assignments

Some companies opt for take-home coding tests where the focus is on the final product and your approach rather than real-time problem-solving. Here, you are often allowed to use online resources because the emphasis is on your ability to complete a task or project, not your ability to solve problems instantly.

Virtual Interviews

In virtual interviews, where screen sharing is allowed, the interviewer might occasionally permit you to reference documentation or specific resources. However, this is relatively uncommon and usually reserved for specific situations.

Clarity on Interview Rules

It is always a good idea to clarify the rules with the interviewer or the recruiting team beforehand. This ensures that you understand the expectations and can prepare accordingly. Misunderstandings can lead to confusion and potentially affect your performance.

Real-Life Experiences and Examples

One example of flexibility in rules occurred during a technical interview where the candidate couldn't remember how an API worked. In this case, the interviewer encouraged the candidate to search for the answer on the internet. However, doing so surreptitiously is deceptive and wrong, as it doesn't reflect the true capabilities you possess.

Company-Specific Practices

Some companies explicitly allow candidates to search the web for answers, viewing it as an effort to simulate real-life experiences more accurately. For instance, a candidate once faced a scenario where the interviewer was unfamiliar with their preferred programming language. The interview question was not well suited for that language and required the use of a rarely-used part of the language. The interviewer suggested looking up the solution online, but the candidate spent considerable time on it and couldn't complete the follow-up question within the given time.

This example highlights the importance of not over-relying on online resources, as solutions found online might not be relevant or up-to-date, leading to wasted time and potentially missed opportunities to demonstrate your actual skills.

Never Google During an Interview

It is strongly recommended not to Google or look up answers during an interview, regardless of the rules set by the company. If you encounter a problem you can't solve, the best approach is to ask your interviewer for a hint or clarification. This shows your genuine effort and desire to understand the problem, rather than hiding behind the false confidence of an online solution.

The experience of trying to solve a problem on your own will often reveal simpler solutions that you might have overlooked. In this case, asking your interviewer for guidance ensures you are demonstrating your problem-solving skills and coding abilities accurately.

In conclusion, navigating the guidelines for using Google or online resources during a programming interview requires clear communication with your interviewer and a commitment to showcasing your true abilities. Whether a company allows or disallows such actions, the spirit of the interview remains the same: to assess your skills and understanding through genuine problem-solving.