How would you go about explaining cloud computing to someone that doesn't have a technical background?
The purpose of this question is to understand the communication skills you would bring to the Pinterest Software Engineering team. Throughout the interview, the hiring manager will seek to understand some of the soft skills pertaining to this job. These include communication, teamwork, conflict resolution, and others. Every time you answer a question, you are being evaluated for both your experience and skills, as well as your ability to communicate. This question relates directly to this objective. As you answer, this question gives you the opportunity to explain a complicated process to someone with little technical knowledge. Your interviewer will be looking to hear that you can do this effectively.
"The easiest way to understand the cloud is that it is just another computer, phone, or storage device which is located remotely. It is similar to your hard drive or USB drives, except you access it via the Internet instead of directly on your computer. The cloud can also host applications and execute them remotely. Again, this is similar to your computer, cell phone, or any other device you may use. Whenever you make a phone call, ask Google for information, or order something on Amazon, you are using the cloud."
