How to deal with an interviewer who is wrong on technical answers, but doesn't let you explain? [duplicate]

Question

I attended interviews for the position of Android Developer in two different companies. I knew my answer was right, but the interviewer was incorrect leading to him thinking that I have answered incorrectly. I also cross-checked my answers after the interview to be sure.

I have gone through this question (How to tell a interviewer that he is wrong on a technical question). This answer is helpful when there is a discussion during the interview, but in my case, they just ignored my answer and commented, "clear your concepts", "you need to brush up your basics", etc. and moved on to the next question. I did not get an opportunity to explain my answers.

I did not know how to handle this situation. I thought it might sound rude or over-confident to argue. I don't want to be proved wrong even when I am correct. What should I do if I face such situations?

Answer 1

When contradicted on a question where you are right and the interviewer is wrong, take note of the hiccup and move on - You still have the rest of the interview to get through. Assume that even in the best case scenario. you'll barely have enough time to finish the interview and go through all the questions the interviewer wants to ask you. Try to come across as credibly competent for the rest of the interview. When the interviewer asks you if you have any questions, ask for the interviewer's contact data and if possible, someone else that you can cc.

Take care of the discrepancy/loose end once you get home. Even as you are communicating the right info, keep the tone positive i.e. cheerful, cooperative, helpful, calm and confident. You want to come across as someone who is a pleasure to work with, regardless of any disagreement. They may or may not buy what you are saying, but that's their choice.

Regardless of what happens, how the interviewer acts or what the interviewer says during the interview, work with the interviewer so that the interview is a successful experience for both of you. The interviewer may act in a judgmental way that closes the communication channels but since you went through all that trouble to get an interview, keep the lines of communication open. Decide for yourself whether you want to pursue the opportunity at all once you make it home.

Answer 2

First, there are some interviewers who intentionally contradict you to see how you handle it. If this is the case, you might simply state, "I've always done it this way. I'll have to try it your way and see." This response would also work fine for a situation where you are both correct, but the interviewer prefers his/her way.

If the interviewer is just plain wrong, you should probably just move on and consider yourself lucky. You probably don't want to work for a place where the interviewers are unprepared, and are probably winging it. Such places often turn out to be chaotic places to work.

If you just have to be right and get the last word, try it out at home, then email the result to the interviewer and show them the problem with their solution. Dont expext them to come back with a job offer, though.