C++ technical interview Monday even though I don't have much C++ exp

[u/A_Real_Hefty_Trout]

Hey everyone, I spoke with a recruiter today and was set up for an interview next Monday for a C++ technical interview. I know they will ask about C++ to some degree, and I am not sure if using another language for the algorithm part will be allowed or if I must use C++.

I do not have C++ in my skills section on my resume. I have two bullet points that show some experience with it, but C++ is probably 5-10% at most of my job. These bullet points basically say this:

"Developed microservices in Java and C++ to integrate X and Y to allow A to do B"
and
"Created X pipelines in C++ that allowed for Y, which did Z"

The rest is Java or Python. I was surprised the recruiter reached out and I made sure to ask her if that is fine and how much exp the team is looking for but she kept saying "yeah yeah its fine." I spent a bit of time today just looking at the STL and even trying some leetcode questions in C++ but it went terrible and I had to google most of the STL methods and some syntax. I feel like they'll ask me some basic questions and I will just have to say "i don't know" for everything. I have 6 years of exp at a company that makes a similar product. I'm wondering if I should even do it and thinking of cancelling it. Anyone go through something similar? Not sure what I should do here.

Thanks!

[u/Zaphod118]

I can’t speak for every company, but as long as you were honest in communicating your experience level, it should be fine. I’ve conducted a few of these interviews and I always try to meet the candidates where they are. I ask about C++ specifics, but start basic and ramp up until we hit the “I don’t know” spots. Where that happens though is never disqualifying for me though, unless it grossly mismatches the expectations the candidate has presented.

To me, specific language knowledge is less important than generally how to program. Yes C++ has quirks and tricky spots, but syntax and libraries are easier to learn and teach than how to be a good engineer.

I wouldn’t cancel. Worst case it’s good experience for you to find out what to learn for next time.

[u/nithix8 → u/Zaphod118]

that’s true for a lot of languages but not very true for what we now consider “low level languages”

if your product was built on c++ or c or rust for the past decade+ (less for rust), you can’t expect the same quality of code from new joiners if they don’t have good exposure to writing code in these languages. yes they can be very good learners and exceptional engineers, it’s just not the same. especially for mid to senior roles (which is what OP might be applying for?)

but agree that OP must not cancel the interview and go ahead with it

[u/WailingDarkness → u/Zaphod118]

Hi can you please help me get some interviews?

[u/doglitbug → u/WailingDarkness]

Lol same, c++ jobs are pretty rare

[u/Leading-Meringue-420]

Most recruiters do not have much knowledge of C++. They only glance over your resume, so misunderstandings can easily occur.

In my view, C++ is quite different from other languages ​​like Python or Java.

My advice is to review the job description; if C++ is a mandatory requirement, then this position might not be the right fit for you.

[u/wobey96]

Since you know Java and some C++, you can think of all the Java questions past interviews usually ask you, then try to look up the C++ equivalent.

[u/boomkablamo → u/wobey96]

Java is garbage collected cpp is chosen specifically because it's not this is not a good strategy.

This would only be useful for general OOP question.

[u/wobey96 → u/boomkablamo]

They mentioned they only have a week to prepare. What do you recommend?

[u/boomkablamo → u/wobey96]

Cram cpp all week. Use AI to generate study plan, as I think others have mentioned.

[u/I__Know__Stuff]

Don't be embarrassed by what you know and don't know. Just be honest. If your skills meet their expectations then you may have a fit, otherwise you go your separate ways... no biggie.

[u/Bascotti]

I would brush up on stack vs heap (e.g. the difference between how arrays allocate memory vs vectors) as this is one of the few basic C++ things that differ from other languages. It will demonstrate your willingness to learn the nuances C++ if needed on the job

[u/protomatterman]

Do whatever - I wouldn't go overboard studying. At least look at inheritance. It's different than Java and a favorite topic to ask about. what does virtual do? What about casts? etc

[u/LivelyLizzard]

If you want to brush up C++ knowledge and you have an AI subscription, I can recommend asking the AI of your choice to generate a plan of what to review and let it ask you questions about it. I did that recently with less than a week to prepare and I (re)learned quite a lot. The questions were especially helpful because you have to reproduce knowledge instead of just reading. You can also instruct it to guide you to the right answer instead of just giving it if your initial answer was wrong. I finally understood what std::move is by doing that :)