> where another might ding you for not instantly knowing the answer
While there certainly are incompetent interviewers, I think ones that extreme are rare.
While there certainly are incompetent interviewers, I think ones that extreme are rare.
See also: overused brainteasers. I remember being asked the 5 litre / 3 litre / get 4 litres problem for my Microsoft intern interview, and honestly told them that I already knew the answer, so I wouldn't be "solving" it, but here it is anyway...
Once I notice that it's not really going well, I try to politely as possible suggest that maybe we adjourn, so as to not waste each others' time. That hasn't really ever backfired, and actually turned one rejection into an offer, but I find it's polite to respect everyones' time.