# Interview Mode

> Ensures proper requirements clarification before implementing features. Activates when asked to implement, build, create, or add features during what appears to be an interview or timed coding exercise.

- Skill: `majiayu000/interview-mode` (Agent Skill, multi-file: 2 files)
- Install (CLI): `npx skillmds@latest add majiayu000/interview-mode`
- Raw SKILL.md: https://api.skillmd.com/api/skills/majiayu000/interview-mode/raw
- Safety review: pending (external: skill-scanner PASS, skillspector PASS)
- Works with: Claude Code, Claude.ai, OpenAI Codex
- Category: Coding & Dev Tools
- Author: majiayu000 (https://skillmd.com/u/majiayu000)
- Updated: 2026-09-09
- Page: https://skillmd.com/skills/majiayu000/interview-mode

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# Interview Mode

When implementing features during an interview, ALWAYS clarify requirements BEFORE writing any code.

## Before Writing Code

1. **Identify Ambiguities**
   - What's explicitly in scope?
   - What's explicitly out of scope?
   - What edge cases need handling?

2. **Ask Clarifying Questions**
   Use AskUserQuestion with specific options:
   - Empty states: How to display when no data?
   - Error states: How to handle failures?
   - Loading states: Show spinner, skeleton, or nothing?
   - Validation: What rules apply to inputs?
   - Success criteria: What defines "done"?

3. **Confirm Understanding**
   Before coding, summarize:
   - What will be built
   - What edge cases will be handled
   - What is out of scope

## Question Format

Use specific options, not open-ended questions:

**Good:**
```
How should empty state be handled?
- Show illustration with message
- Show text message only
- Hide the section
```

**Bad:**
```
What should happen when there's no data?
```

## Why This Matters

- Shows communication skills
- Prevents wasted effort on wrong approach
- Demonstrates systematic thinking
- Catches misunderstandings early