Audit Interview vs LeetCode
LeetCode tests code generation speed - a skill AI now does better than humans. The Audit Interview tests engineering judgment - the skill that becomes MORE valuable as AI improves.
| Dimension | Audit Interview | LeetCode |
|---|---|---|
| What it tests | Engineering judgment and verification skill | Algorithm implementation speed |
| Core question | "Can you catch what AI gets wrong?" | "Can you implement a binary tree in 20 minutes?" |
| AI relevance | Tests the skill AI CAN'T replace | Tests the skill AI HAS replaced |
| Format | 4 dimensions: Verification, Architecture, Economics, Leadership | Timed coding problems |
| Output | Scoring matrix with hire/no-hire recommendation | Pass/fail per problem |
| Bias profile | Tests judgment regardless of background | Favors competitive programming background |
| Cost | Free (richardewing.io/tools/audit-interview) | Free (limited) / $35/mo Premium |
| Predictive validity | Correlates with on-the-job engineering judgment | Low correlation with job performance |
The Verdict
LeetCode tests the wrong skill for the AI age. When Copilot can solve 90% of LeetCode problems, testing candidates on algorithm speed measures nothing about their engineering value.
The Audit Interview tests the four dimensions that matter: Verification (catching AI errors), Architecture (system design judgment), Economics (cost awareness), and Leadership (decision-making under ambiguity).
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Richard Ewing: AI Economist & Capital Auditor