Interview experience today

I attended an interview today with a panel of three. With 15 years of experience in software development, I was ready for anything they threw at me.

They asked me to write ADO.NET code — with pen and paper. I jotted down a quick version to convey the logic. It wasn’t perfect syntax (I mean, who writes flawless code without IntelliSense?), but the intent was clear.

They looked at the paper, chuckled, and pointed out syntax errors — not as feedback, but more like mockery.

I paused, smiled, and decided to turn the tables a bit.

I asked, "How long have you been using computers?" "Over 10 years," they replied. "Great. Could you close your laptops and tell me the layout of the top row of alphabets on your keyboard?"

They were puzzled. No one could recite it.

I said, "You’ve been using a keyboard daily for 10+ years, and don’t recall its layout. That doesn’t make you any less experienced — just like a few syntax slips on paper don’t define mine."