Sure! We only have the candidate's perspective, but it appears that the candidate:
1) felt that the tone of the interviewer was negative
2) was in the middle of writing their solution
3) did not actively ask for feedback on syntax
Point #1 is subjective, but an interviewer should err on the side of caution when making curt remarks like this. Taken together, points #2 and #3 are important too: as an interviewer, you should know when (or even whether or not) to provide feedback.
As for why I believe the comment above phrased it better:
1) the interviewer is clearly acknowledging that it can be challenging to use a different language in an interview
2) the interviewer is clearly stating that the syntax mistakes being made are minor and nothing to worry about
Personally, I would still avoid making this kind of comment unless prompted by the candidate - e.g., in reply to "I think I might be making a few mistakes with syntax here". I would also avoid providing any feedback.
I also agree that an interview is not purely technical: there are other _passive_ signals you can use to build a better picture. I don't see how you would be able to judge sense of humor reliably in an interview setting, though.
Thank you! Not much to argue with, rather just nodding my head. I hope one of us interviews the other some day, and that we have a chance to debrief after.
1) felt that the tone of the interviewer was negative
2) was in the middle of writing their solution
3) did not actively ask for feedback on syntax
Point #1 is subjective, but an interviewer should err on the side of caution when making curt remarks like this. Taken together, points #2 and #3 are important too: as an interviewer, you should know when (or even whether or not) to provide feedback.
As for why I believe the comment above phrased it better:
1) the interviewer is clearly acknowledging that it can be challenging to use a different language in an interview
2) the interviewer is clearly stating that the syntax mistakes being made are minor and nothing to worry about
Personally, I would still avoid making this kind of comment unless prompted by the candidate - e.g., in reply to "I think I might be making a few mistakes with syntax here". I would also avoid providing any feedback.
I also agree that an interview is not purely technical: there are other _passive_ signals you can use to build a better picture. I don't see how you would be able to judge sense of humor reliably in an interview setting, though.