Don't Ask For Too Much Permission

In this lessons, we address a common mistake, especially among junior engineers - Asking for too much permission. This often stems from a lack of confidence and a desire to avoid making decisions. Here are the core points:

  • We often encounter candidates who, after discussing various options for solving a problem, defer decision-making to the interviewer

  • Instead, we should make decisions ourselves. We can evaluate the options based on their trade-offs and choose the best one

  • By taking ownership and driving the design, we demonstrate strong decision-making skills

  • While it’s important to ask clarifying questions, we should avoid relying too heavily on the interviewer for directional guidance. Instead, we should proactively drive the conversation and make decisions that address the key issues.

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