How can I prepare for coding interview in 2 weeks?

Preparing for a coding interview in just two weeks is quite challenging, but with focused effort and efficient use of your time, you can still make significant progress. Here’s how to maximize your preparation in this condensed timeframe:

Day 1-3: Assessment and Fundamental Review

• Assess Your Skills: Quickly evaluate your current proficiency in key areas such as data structures, algorithms, and problem-solving skills. Identify your strengths and the areas that need the most urgent attention.
• Review Basics: Solidify your understanding of the programming language you're most comfortable with. Ensure you have a strong grasp of basic syntax, data structures (arrays, strings, linked lists), and essential algorithms (like sorting and searching).

Day 4-7: Intensive Problem Solving

• Focus on Core Data Structures and Algorithms:
  • Data Structures: Concentrate on mastering arrays, linked lists, stacks, queues, trees, and graphs.
  • Algorithms: Prioritize understanding sorting algorithms, binary search, recursion, and basic graph traversal algorithms (BFS and DFS).
• Platform Practice: Use platforms like LeetCode, DesignGurus.io, or HackerRank to tackle a variety of problems. Focus on solving as many medium-level problems as possible, spanning different types and ensuring you cover both your strong and weak areas.

Day 8-10: Advanced Topics and Mock Interviews

• Explore Advanced Problems: Dive into more complex problem areas such as dynamic programming, backtracking, and greedy algorithms. Don’t try to master these if you’re new to them; just get a basic understanding and ability to approach simpler problems in these categories.
• Mock Interviews: Start practicing with mock interviews using platforms like Pramp or Interviewing.io. You can also do peer mock interviews if available. Focus on simulating real interview conditions to improve your problem-solving speed and communication under pressure.

Day 11-13: Review and Consolidate

• Review Key Concepts: Go back through the problems you’ve solved and revisit any that gave you difficulty. Try to understand the solutions deeply.
• Consolidate Learning: Make sure that you have a solid understanding of the most common data structures and algorithms. You should be able to discuss how and when to use them, their complexities, and possible trade-offs.

Day 14: Rest and Mental Preparation

• Rest: Give yourself a break to relax and recharge before the interview. Avoid cramming new information.
• Mental Preparation: Practice calming techniques like meditation or deep breathing exercises to manage stress. Prepare your interview setup, ensuring everything is ready and functioning (like your computer, webcam, microphone, and internet connection).

Additional Tips

• Focused Practice: Given the limited time, focus your practice on areas that are most likely to appear in the interview based on the job description and company profile.
• Efficient Learning: Utilize resources that provide quick insights and learning, such as video tutorials on specific algorithms or data structures.
• Explain Your Thoughts: Practice explaining your thought process clearly as you solve problems. This is crucial in interviews where you need to demonstrate not only your coding ability but also your problem-solving approach and communication skills.

Conclusion

Two weeks is a short period to prepare for a coding interview, so it's essential to use every day effectively. Prioritize learning the fundamentals, practicing a broad range of problems, and simulate the interview environment to build your confidence and readiness. Remember, the goal is to show your best within the constraints, demonstrating clear thinking and problem-solving skills even if you're not able to cover everything exhaustively.