8 Tips To Prepare for Coding Interview
Getting ready for a coding interview can be a bit nerve-wracking, especially when you're aiming for a job at a top tech company. But don't worry!
Here are eight tips that can help you prepare effectively for your coding interview and boost your chances of passing that test.
1. Don't Go Autopilot
Sometimes, seeing a familiar coding problem can trick you into going on autopilot.
This is risky as there can be certain differences in the problem that you are solving assuming it to be one you have done before.
What To Do
Try to shift from coding out solutions to mentally planning them in the days before your interview. This way, you focus on solving the problem fresh during the interview rather than relying on your memory.
If you find you're stuck, then go ahead and code the tricky parts to make sure you have got it down.
Practice these 20 coding patterns to train yourself before the test.
2. Assess Your Readiness
Solving many different problems doesn't mean you're ready for the interview ahead. Your performance under actual interview conditions is what really counts.
What To Do
Practice with realistic mock interviews. Try to do around 10, and if you're getting a "hire" rating in around 7 or 8, that’s a good sign showing you are on the right track.
Experienced interviewers can give you the best sense of whether you're ready.
Check out the 5 things hiring managers look for at top tech companies.
3. Avoid Burden
Studying hard is great, but working beyond a limit can lead to burnout.
You want to be active and fresh for your interviews, especially if they're lined up one after another.
What To Do
Study smartly by covering the basics first.
Streamline your practice. For instance, if you’ve mastered certain elements like loops or conditionals, don’t waste time practicing them repeatedly.
Sketch out the core logic and let tools like GitHub Copilot handle some of the routine coding.
Also, don't forget to take breaks after fixed intervals, sleep well, and stay hydrated.
4. Model the Problem Mentally
If you're interviewing with a company known for certain types of questions (like Meta’s asteroid collision problem), make sure you’re familiar with these so you don't get tripped up by the basics under pressure.
Get some ideas about the 18 top coding interview questions at Amazon.
What To Do
Study different problems and try to map them mentally so that on the day, you can concentrate on tackling any new twists they throw at you efficiently.
5. Plan Your Time
Divide your interview time wisely between understanding the problem, planning your solution, coding it, checking for bugs, and discussing your solution with the interviewer.
What To Do
You might allocate, for example, 10 minutes for planning and 5 minutes for the other stages. This helps keep you on track and ensures you use your time effectively.
Practicing under these time limits can help you get comfortable with the pace.
6. Aim for One-Shot Accuracy
While practicing, try to get your solution right on the first go rather than making multiple attempts.
This builds your ability to deliver accurate solutions quickly, a must for companies that test this skillor those that don't let you run the code.
What To Do
If you are stuck or unsure, shift your focus to learning rather than solving right away. Fill in your knowledge gaps before you try again.
Find practical information in the FAANG Interview Guide.
7. Choose the Right Slot
Interestingly, research suggests that people make more favorable decisions after a meal — the same might apply to your interviewer. Therefore, you must choose the right slot for your interview to have a smooth experience.
What To Do
Try to schedule your interviews after lunch, perhaps any time after 2:30 pm, to catch your interviewer at their best.
8. Know When To Reschedule
If you're going into an interview feeling unprepared, it is better to reschedule rather than risk a poor performance. Always show up at your best.
What To Do
Try to push back your interview if you’re not ready and appear for the test confidently.
Just be sure to inform your recruiter well in advance.
Wrapping Up
Preparing for a coding interview isn't just about hard skills; it's also about strategy, health, and psychology.
Use these tips to prepare smartly and increase your chances of success.
To take a step forward in your career journey, assess your coding skills with our Mock Interview Sessions at DesignGurus.io.
