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I wouldn't consider it bizarre if a candidate has deep knowledge about something different than what I expected when I started. I'd consider that pretty normal actually, since most people don't work on the same thing.

I wouldn't consider it useless either, unless I'm hiring an engineer for a narrow focus on something (e.g. I want someone that knows BGP), but I've never done that.

I've found that the ability to learn is fungible.

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> I've found that the ability to learn is fungible.

The ability answer a question effectively instead of exhaustively is important too, though, right?

Personally, I'd be more impressed by the candidate who answers this by first asking "is there a particular aspect or perspective of this task you're most interested in?", especially if they can highlight the broad aspects involved, and offer to drill down on any in particular.

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