Brief Summary
This video provides five key strategies to improve performance in tech interviews. It emphasizes understanding the true purpose behind interview questions, preparing both mentally and physically, strategically scheduling interviews, mastering system design conversations, and articulating thought processes clearly. The goal is to demonstrate problem-solving skills, critical thinking, and fit within the company culture, rather than just providing correct answers.
- Understand the question behind the question
- Prioritize mental and physical preparation
- Strategically schedule interviews for optimal performance
- Engage in meaningful system design conversations
- Articulate your thought process clearly
Interviewing.io Article
The common approach to tech interviews is flawed. Candidates often focus on memorizing solutions to coding problems, missing the underlying purpose of the interview. The real goal is to assess problem-solving skills. Even if you require hints or don't know the answer immediately, demonstrating your reasoning and receptiveness to guidance is crucial. Interviewers are looking for candidates who can think through problems, not just regurgitate solutions.
Getting the Hard Question Data
Maximizing interview performance involves being comfortable, calm, and allowing your preparation to surface. Physical preparation plays a vital role, including getting enough sleep, eating well, and staying hydrated. Healthy habits should be instilled as part of your interview prep. Simulating interview settings and gradually increasing the stakes through mock interviews can help manage nervousness.
Top 'Secretly Easy' Hard Problems
The order in which you interview at companies matters. The best practice for interviews is to do interviews. To optimize your chances of receiving offers at your dream job, you want to backload interviews there and practice with companies that aren't at the top of your list. Recruiters often send out numerous reachouts, so it's essential to prioritize and schedule interviews strategically. Practice with less desired companies first to refine your skills before interviewing for your dream job.
Most Efficient for Interview Prep' Hard Problems
System design interviews differ significantly from coding interviews. There is no single right answer in system design. The goal is to have a meaningful conversation about system design, demonstrating your ability to contribute to the company's systems. This involves clarifying requirements, defining core entities and APIs, and developing a sensible high-level design. Following the interviewer's lead and engaging in critical thinking are essential.
Hardest Questions Actually Used in FAANG Interviews
Behavioral interview questions assess how you've handled past situations, with the underlying question being, "Do I want to work with this person?" The motivation behind your actions is crucial. When answering behavioral questions, provide insight into your thought process and reasoning. Thinking out loud is a valuable skill in all types of interviews, maximizing your chances of receiving helpful hints and demonstrating your problem-solving abilities. Interviews are more like a "date" to assess fit, and interviewers want to see how you think when confronted with challenging problems.
