One of the most misguided assumptions in technology is that if someone cannot recall every command syntax, protocol timer, or theoretical definition on the spot, they are somehow unqualified. Let’s address this head-on: not remembering every technical detail is not a red flag.
Why This Isn’t A True Measure of Ability
In reality, engineering, networking, security, and IT as a whole are fields of practical problem solving. Yes, foundational knowledge is critical. However, expecting engineers to recall the exact RFC section number for a specific 802.11 amendment, the default hello timer for OSPF on broadcast interfaces, or the exact Wireshark filter syntax for a unique use case off the top of their heads is simply unrealistic.
Here’s why:
Engineers rely on references daily.
No engineer worth their salt operates in a vacuum. Vendor documentation, RFCs, Wireshark display filter guides, switch command references, and design guides are part of daily workflows. Memorization is not engineering – application is.
Memory recall does not equal troubleshooting skill.
The best engineers understand how to think, not just what to think. They understand the why behind a technology. They can read logs, interpret outputs, and identify root causes under pressure. That is worth infinitely more than perfect recall.
Stress impacts recall.
Stress inhibits working memory. Drawing a blank on a trivia-style question doesn’t negate the ability to architect solutions, troubleshoot deeply, or implement complex systems successfully.
No One Is Expected To Remember Every Basic Detail
Let’s be clear: basic understanding is required. You must know what OSPF does, what a CAPWAP tunnel is, or how EAP-TLS works. However, knowing how to implement them, where to find the configuration nuances, and how to validate proper operation is what defines true competency.
The danger of trivia-based evaluation is it screens out potentially exceptional engineers who:
- Think critically under real conditions
- Know where to find answers quickly
- Troubleshoot beyond the obvious
- Bring design and operational experience that far outweighs rote memorization
Evaluate Real-World Ability, Not Just Recall
If you’re assessing someone’s capability, consider this:
- Pose scenario-based questions: “You’re seeing excessive roaming delays; what would you check?”
- Provide a basic lab task and observe troubleshooting and reasoning approach
- Facilitate design discussions on a whiteboard
These reveal far more about technical competence and mindset than asking for the default spanning-tree priority for rapid PVST.
Final Thoughts
Remembering every technical detail is not realistic, nor is it a requirement for great engineering. True capability comes from practical problem solving, critical thinking, and the ability to adapt under pressure – the exact skills required to perform and deliver in the real world.
People learn, retain, and remember information differently – and that diversity in thinking is what makes engineering teams strong.