CODING INTERVIEW PREPARATION: YOU NEED TO KNOW – If you have taken up the challenge of preparing for your coding interviews and are unsure about how to optimize your time effectively, look no further.
This comprehensive guide will take you from a beginner to a coding test hero, providing all the essential insights you need.
What is a Software Engineering coding interview?
The coding interviews are used as a method to assess the skills of any potential software engineer candidates. These interviews involve presenting candidates with programming problems, primarily focusing on data structures and algorithms.
The interview duration is usually 30 to 45 minutes, during which candidates must write code in a collaborative editor or on a whiteboard to solve the given technical question(s).
How will you be evaluated during a coding interview?
I have compiled a coding interview evaluation rubric, which encompasses evaluation criteria commonly used by top tech companies. The criteria include communication proficiency, systematic problem-solving skills, technical competency in translating solutions to working code, and the ability to conduct thorough testing.
Candidates are assessed on their capacity to ask clarifying questions, articulate their approach clearly, analyze multiple potential solutions, optimize code implementation, and accurately determine time and space complexity.
For more insights on displaying hire signals during a coding interview, additional information can be found in the provided resource.
How to best prepare for a coding interview?
Relying solely on LeetCode for coding interview preparation might not be enough. Jumping into the vast pool of questions without a structured plan can be inefficient and may not lead to comprehensive readiness.
Even with 3 hours of practice per day, the average person may only complete around 160 questions in 3-4 weeks, and there’s a risk of not fully grasping the right approaches or recalling previously practiced questions.
Instead, a more effective strategy is advised for preparing for a software engineer coding interview.
a. How to get ready for a coding interview:
Selecting the right programming language for coding interviews is essential and depends on familiarity and its compatibility with interview needs.
Typically, higher-level languages with rich standard library functions and data structures are preferred due to their ease of coding. Python, C++, Java, and JavaScript are among the recommended languages for coding interviews.
b. Selecting the Appropriate Programming Language:
When preparing for coding interviews, it’s vital to choose a programming language that you are familiar with and well-suited for interview scenarios.
Typically, higher-level languages with extensive standard libraries and data structures are preferred. Python, C++, Java, and JavaScript are recommended choices.
c. Planning Time Wisely and Prioritizing Topics:
The time required to get ready for coding interviews can vary, so it’s crucial to create a strategic plan. Calculate the available preparation time and prioritize topics and questions accordingly.
Tools like “Grind 75” can assist in generating study plans that strike a balance between depth and breadth of coverage.
d. Integrating Study and Practice:
For better retention and efficiency, it’s advisable to study a single concept and then immediately apply it through practice with relevant questions. Resources such as AlgoMonster and Grokking the Coding Interview provide structured practice and guide you through common interview question patterns.
e. Utilize coding interview cheat sheets during practice to reinforce essential points:
For better practice outcomes, utilize coding interview cheatsheets that offer guidance on problem-solving techniques, interview etiquette, and comprehensive study materials for data structures and algorithms.
These resources will help you internalize important concepts and strategies, enhancing your performance in coding interviews.
f. Prepare a strong self-introduction and ask thoughtful final questions:
Before software engineering interviews, take the time to craft a compelling self introduction and thoughtful final questions to ask. These elements are essential in creating a positive impression on the interviewer and can potentially influence the outcome of the interview.
For helpful examples and tips, refer to the self introduction guide and final questions guide designed specifically for software engineers.
g. Engage in mock coding interviews for practice:
Mock coding interviews can be nerve-wracking, especially for those with little experience. That’s why gaining hands-on practice is essential. Interviewing.io is a top-notch mock technical interview resource.
It allows you to schedule mock coding interviews with real Google and Facebook engineers anonymously.You can even view recorded interviews for phone interview preparation.
If you excel in mock interviews, you can unlock the “jobs page,” which grants you direct access to book interviews with leading companies like Uber, Lyft, Quora, and Asana. The platform has received positive feedback from both interviewers and interviewees.
h. Familiarize yourself with essential patterns in technical interview questions:
In coding interviews, a considerable number of solutions can be solved using a set of key patterns that are commonly applied. Learning and understanding these patterns will equip you to handle a wider range of coding challenges beyond the typical questions asked in interviews.
Conclusion
In conclusion, coding interviews are essential for evaluating software engineer candidates’ skills, mainly focusing on data structures and algorithms.
To prepare effectively, follow the recommended strategies: select a suitable programming language, plan your time wisely, integrate study and practice, use coding interview cheat sheets, prepare a strong self-introduction and thoughtful questions, engage in mock interviews, and familiarize yourself with essential question patterns.
These steps will enhance your performance and readiness for coding interviews.