What does HP Labs look for in software engineers?

HP Labs seeks candidates with a 'can-do' attitude, experience in diverse areas like data science, algorithms, and signal processing. They also value individuals who can bridge the gap between research and practical application, making technology 'webby' and deployable.

How important is character over technical skills in hiring?

Character is extremely important, especially in research labs. The speaker emphasizes looking for honesty, responsibility, and the ability to handle difficult situations or past mistakes with integrity. Off-the-cuff questions are used to assess this.

What is a 'comb-shaped' software engineer?

A 'comb-shaped' engineer, particularly sought after in research, is someone with broad skills across multiple areas and deep expertise in several specific domains. This goes beyond the 'T-shaped' engineer who has broad skills but deep knowledge in only one area.

How should I discuss teamwork and past project failures in an interview?

It's crucial to admit when you relied on others or needed help to complete a project. Successful teams are built on collaboration. Discussing project failures should focus on what you learned and how you handled adversity, rather than blaming others.

What are common mistakes people make in tech interviews?

Common mistakes include 'humble bragging,' focusing too much on individual awards without context, blaming colleagues for project failures, and acting as if you're the best thing the company has ever seen without acknowledging existing talent. Honesty and humility are key.

Does HP hire internationally, and how does that process work?

Yes, HP hires internationally and encourages diverse talent. The process involves multi-stage screening, including phone screens. For final interviews, they often pay for travel, though candidates may be asked to relocate to one of their global offices.

Why is diversity important in the tech industry?

Diversity in the workforce is directly linked to increased creativity and leads to better overall products. A variety of perspectives and backgrounds helps innovation and problem-solving.

Now Hiring? (What Computing Companies Look For) - Computerphile

Computerphile

Education4 min read22 min video

Jul 20, 2017|134,010 views|3,391|359

computers computerphile computer science computer science University of Nottingham Steve Simske HP Labs hiring getting a job in computing computer industry IT industry

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Key Moments

TL;DR

HP Labs hiring manager discusses what companies seek in computing professionals.

Key Insights

Companies value a 'can-do' attitude, blending web and non-web technology experience.

Research labs prefer algorithm-focused candidates but need web integration skills.

Candidates demonstrating passion through personal projects (e.g., Raspberry Pi, Arduino) are highly valued.

Honesty, self-awareness, and the ability to admit limitations are crucial character traits.

Teamwork is essential; candidates should highlight collaboration rather than solo achievements.

Diversity is recognized as a significant driver of creativity and better product development.

IDENTIFYING DESIRED CANDIDATE PROFILES

HP Labs hires approximately 10 people annually, often in roles adjacent to pure computing, such as life sciences data analysis. The core requirement for data scientists is a strong inclination towards understanding big data. The role extends beyond theoretical algorithms to practical application, including mobile deployment and cloud integration. A blend of web and non-web technology experience is preferred over narrow specialization. While research labs might lean towards algorithm expertise, the reality of technology means candidates must also possess skills to make these algorithms accessible and functional on platforms like mobile phones, involving programming languages for iOS and Android.

THE IMPORTANCE OF HANDS-ON EXPERIENCE AND VERSATILITY

Candidates are sought for their ability to 'roll up their sleeves' and implement technologies practically. This includes experience with platforms like Xamarin for mobile app development, and a foundational understanding of programming below the user interface level. For research environments, deep algorithmic skills are valued, but there's also a need for individuals who can bridge the gap to real-world implementation. This means understanding how technologies go live, become mobile, or integrate with cloud services. Experience with embedded systems, such as Raspberry Pi or Arduino, demonstrates a hands-on approach and a deeper understanding of computing principles.

VALUING PASSION AND PERSONAL PROJECTS

A significant indicator of a candidate's potential is their passion for computing, often demonstrated through personal projects unrelated to academic coursework. These projects reveal a genuine interest in software's capabilities. Whether it involves low-level programming in C++ or Java, or web development using JSON, or utilizing Python for its hands-on nature, the drive to create and experiment is key. Proficiency in research-oriented tools like R and MATLAB, or an understanding of open-source methodologies, are also considered valuable starting points for assessing a candidate's capabilities.

ASSESSING CHARACTER THROUGH UNCONVENTIONAL QUESTIONS

Beyond technical skills, interviewers often probe for character through unexpected questions that reveal a candidate's integrity, problem-solving approach, and self-awareness. An example involves asking about the worst mistake made and how it was handled. The focus isn't on the mistake itself, but on the candidate's honesty, responsibility, and ability to manage difficult situations and learn from them. This approach aims to uncover traits not evident on a resume, such as the capacity to take ownership, learn from adversity, and demonstrate a mature perspective when faced with challenges or interpersonal conflicts.

EMPHASIZING TEAMWORK AND COLLEAGUE COLLABORATION

Interviewers explicitly look for candidates who can admit when they relied on others for specific project aspects. This indicates an understanding of teamwork and an appreciation for diverse expertise. The ability to acknowledge and learn from colleagues who are more skilled in certain areas is a sign of a strong team player and is considered more valuable than someone claiming to have completed a complex project entirely alone. This collaborative spirit is essential in industry, where complex problems are solved by teams of intelligent individuals working together.

NAVIGATING THE INTERVIEW: HUMILITY AND CONFIDENCE

Candidates should strike a delicate balance between self-confidence and humility. While showcasing talent is important, doing so at the expense of others or implying superiority can be detrimental. Focusing on the application of skills and the positive contribution to projects, rather than solely on accolades like awards or publications, is more effective. Demonstrating how a skill was applied to solve a real-world problem, like assisting a relative, is far more impactful than listing achievements. The interview is a stage to show potential for positive contribution without alienating the interviewers or devaluing existing team members.

GLOBAL HIRING AND THE VALUE OF DIVERSITY

Companies actively seek candidates globally, recognizing that talent and brilliance are distributed worldwide. The hiring process typically involves multiple stages, including resume screening, phone interviews, and in-person assessments, with relocation expenses covered for final candidates. This global reach allows companies to tap into a diverse talent pool. Diversity is seen as a significant driver of creativity and leads to the development of better products. A varied workforce brings different perspectives and experiences, which are invaluable in problem-solving and innovation in the computing industry.

UNDERSTANDING THE EVOLVING INDUSTRY LANDSCAPE

The computing industry is in a period of significant transition, moving towards open-source solutions and cloud-based, mobile-first ecosystems. Fields like additive manufacturing (3D printing) and advanced sensing technologies (e.g., surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy) are heavily reliant on sophisticated software development. Expertise in areas like bioinformatics, signal processing, and image analysis is crucial. The ability to integrate new manufacturing techniques with existing infrastructure through software highlights the demand for versatile and forward-thinking computing professionals who can adapt to these rapidly changing technological frontiers.

Mentioned in This Episode

●Supplements

●Products

●Software & Apps

●Organizations

●Concepts

What Computing Companies Look For: Dos and Don'ts

Practical takeaways from this episode

Do This

Demonstrate a 'can-do' attitude.

Gain experience across both web and non-web technologies.

Show hands-on experience with programming languages like Python, C++, Java.

Highlight character and honesty, especially when discussing past mistakes.

Emphasize your ability to work with and learn from others.

Showcase passion for software through personal projects outside of classes.

Be a 'comb-shaped' individual with broad skills and deep expertise in several areas (for research roles).

Focus on the application and impact of your work, not just awards.

Balance humility with self-confidence.

Acknowledge the contributions of teammates.

Be willing to relocate for the right opportunity.

Understand the importance of diversity in creativity and product development.

Avoid This

'Pigeonhole' yourself into only one area (e.g., just algorithms or just web).

Focus solely on academic achievements without practical application.

Present past mistakes as 'humble brags' or blame others.

Talk excessively about your individual accomplishments without mentioning team contributions.

Appear arrogant or imply that existing team members are less capable.

Focus only on quantitative metrics (publications, awards) without explaining the 'why' or 'how'.

Hide instances where you relied on others for project completion.

Be dishonest or evasive when asked probing questions.

Fail to show how your skills align with practical applications.

Common Questions

Companies look for a blend of web and non-web technology experience. This includes strong algorithmic skills, experience with programming languages like Python, C++, and Java, and the ability to implement solutions on mobile or cloud platforms. Practical, hands-on experience is highly valued.

Topics

Hiring Process Interview Tips HP Labs Additive Manufacturing Character Assessment Diversity In Tech

Mentioned in this video

conceptintelligent system

A system that exhibits intelligent behavior to a human user, often involving AI or machine learning.

conceptRNA sequencing

The process of determining the order of nucleotides in RNA, a potential application for advanced sensing technology.

conceptalgorithms

A key area of software expertise important for research labs, involving the development of computational procedures.

softwareXamarin

A development tool or framework mentioned in the context of making software 'webby' for mobile phones (Android and iOS).

conceptPolymerase Chain Reaction

A laboratory technique used in molecular biology to amplify a specific piece of DNA, mentioned as a potential future application for sensing technology.

conceptT-shaped software engineer

An industry term for a software engineer with broad skills and deep expertise in one area.

conceptelectrical engineering

A field of engineering related to electricity, electronics, and electromagnetism, mentioned as an area where a candidate might have deep expertise alongside their thesis work.

locationChennai

A city in India where a remotely distributed employee of HP Labs is located.

conceptbioinformatics

The application of computer science to the field of biology, specifically for analyzing DNA and RNA data.

locationSan Francisco Bay Area

A metropolitan area in California known for its high density of tech companies and talent, often a hub for job interviews.

organizationHP Labs

The organization where the speaker directs a large group of people globally, working on diverse technological areas.

conceptbig data

A significant trend impacting various fields, including life sciences and computing, requiring data scientist skills.

conceptsignal and image processing

A technical skill set relevant to sensing and analysis, which the speaker looks for in software hires.

conceptSurface Enhanced Raman Spectroscopy

A type of sensor technology involving nano-fingers and lasers to enhance signal detection, used in forensics and healthcare analysis.

locationFort Collins

A city in Colorado where interviews are conducted.

organizationEnvironmental Health and Safety

A department or system within an organization responsible for safety regulations, mentioned in the context of a job candidate's past actions.

conceptPhD

An academic degree level typical for researchers, indicating deep expertise in one area.

conceptcloud deployment

The process of making software applications and services available to users via a cloud computing infrastructure.

conceptanalog and digital circuits

Electronic circuits that operate on continuous (analog) or discrete (digital) signals, mentioned in the context of building electronic music systems.

conceptmechatronics

One of the fields directed by the speaker within HP Labs, involving mechanical and electronic engineering.

conceptsecurity printing

A specialized area within HP Labs that ties into the Internet of Things, involving the interrogation of physical objects.

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