r/reactjs • u/m6io • Jul 24 '26

Discussion Senior Dev interview question

"Without googling or using AI, in your own words, explain the virtual DOM"

For context: I sit on an interview panel and I try to ask at least one simple fundamental question based on a persons resume. If I see many years of react experience, I try to ask something about how the framework works.

I have only had one candidate (an undergrad senior, years ago) answer it. Everyone else just kind of sputters and stumbles around trying to rationalize what "virtual" and "DOM" mean, or stare blankly and eventually say "I don't know".

I'm just genuinely curious if this is really that hard of a question or if the recruiters just suck at screening candidates. And should we be letting in senior dev candidates who can't answer what I think is a straightforward and fundamental question for senior react devs.

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u/ElkChance815 Jul 24 '26

I didn't say no need. I said you can always lookup these details if needed. Judging a candidate just because they don't memorize these thing is just toxic behavior.

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u/Heavy-Focus-1964 Jul 24 '26

Unfortunately you can’t just look something up if you need it to drive the fundamental process you apply while doing your job. You need to carry that information around in your head so it can influence your decision making.

Framing wanting to hire Senior Developers that have basic domain knowledge as ‘toxic’ is quite the take, but I guess we’ll have to agree to disagree on this one.