Keynote: From LeetCode to Leadership - Preview Interview with Kristen Shaker - C++ On Sea 2025

Register Now and join Kristen Shaker and Kevin Carpenter for the three day main C++ conference at C++OnSea 2025: https://cpponsea.uk/

Kevin Carpenter sits down with Kristen Shaker to discuss her upcoming c++ keynote session for C++OnSea 2025, titled 'From LeetCode to Leadership: Fixing Broken Engineering Interviews'

Get a preview of these amazing sessions and some insights into Kristen's background and perspectives

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Keynote: From LeetCode to Leadership: Fixing Broken Engineering Interviews - Kristen Shaker

The traditional technical interview process is fundamentally flawed. Despite years of industry experience, many senior candidates are still subjected to algorithmic coding challenges that fail to reflect their actual job responsibilities. This talk explores the disconnect between coding interviews and real-world software engineering, analyzing why these outdated assessments persist and how they inadvertently favor candidates who excel at memorization rather than engineering expertise.

We begin by examining the misalignment between current hiring practices and the core competencies of experienced engineers. While coding challenges test algorithmic recall, they neglect critical skills such as code review, communication, and problem-solving within complex, ambiguous systems. The result is a hiring process that penalizes tenured specialists and favors those adept at test preparation.

Next, we investigate how these interview practices became entrenched. We trace their origins from early technical hiring strategies, highlighting their initial intent and unintended consequences. While structured rubrics were designed to reduce bias and standardize evaluation, they have led to an overemphasis on gamified problem-solving at the expense of holistic engineering assessment.

Finally, we propose alternative approaches that better align hiring with job performance. By emphasizing practical evaluations—such as reviewing real-world code, assessing system design, and evaluating collaborative skills—companies can more effectively identify high-impact senior engineers. This shift not only improves hiring outcomes but also enhances diversity and equity in technical recruitment.

This talk challenges the industry to rethink how we evaluate software engineers, advocating for hiring practices that prioritize genuine engineering excellence over artificial gatekeeping.
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About C++OnSea 2025
C++ on Sea is an international C++ conference taking place by the sea, in the UK. Our venue is in Folkestone, Kent, near the entrance to the channel tunnel with stunning views across the English Channel.

New for 2025: we're running two post-conference workshop days, as well as our usual three-day main conference.

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Kristen Shaker

Kristen Shaker is an accomplished software engineer known for her expertise in C++ refactoring and exceptional leadership abilities. She was previously a Staff Software Engineer on Google’s C++ Core Libraries Team, where she was responsible for making the C++ portion of Google’s code base extensible, maintainable, and understandable via state-of-the-art refactoring tools, targeted guidance, and documentation on complex C++ topics.

Kristen is also a founding member of the New York C++ Meetup group and serves as Chair of the Board of the Boost Foundation. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Engineering in Computer Science from the University of Michigan, where she graduated Magna Cum Laude.

Kristen is currently a real estate relocation specialist dedicated to helping software engineers seamlessly transition into life in New York City. With a deep understanding of the city's competitive real estate market, she combines her analytical expertise, problem-solving skills, and keen attention to detail to match her clients with the perfect home. To learn more about how she can help you, your employees or your clients move to NYC, visit www.shaker.nyc.
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