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Technical Interview Preparation

Technical interviews require more than algorithmic knowledge. Success comes from strategy, communication skills, and a systematic approach. This guide provides a complete framework for your next interview.

  • 7-Step Framework

    From understanding the prompt to optimizing and discussing trade-offs.

    Jump to Framework

  • Communication

    Clarifying questions, narrating intent, and discussing edge cases clearly.

    Communication Tips

  • Pattern Recognition

    Map problems to sliding window, DP, graphs, and more.

    Algorithm Patterns

  • Time Management

    Allocate your 45-60 minutes effectively across each phase.

    Time Tips

The Interview Process

┌────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┐
│                        TYPICAL INTERVIEW PIPELINE                          │
└────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┘

  SCREENING           TECHNICAL            BEHAVIORAL          ONSITE
  ────────           ─────────            ──────────          ──────
  30-45 min          45-60 min            30-45 min           4-6 hours

  ┌─────────┐        ┌─────────┐          ┌─────────┐        ┌─────────┐
  │ Phone/  │───────>│ Coding  │─────────>│ Team    │───────>│ Multiple│
  │ Video   │        │ Rounds  │          │ Fit     │        │ Rounds  │
  │         │        │ (1-2)   │          │         │        │         │
  └─────────┘        └─────────┘          └─────────┘        └─────────┘
       │                  │                    │                  │
       │                  │                    │                  │
       ▼                  ▼                    ▼                  ▼
   Basic DSA          Algorithms           Experience         Technical
   Questions          System Design        Scenarios          + Cultural

The 7-Step Framework

A structured approach for tackling any coding problem.

┌─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┐
│  1. UNDERSTAND  ──>  2. PLAN  ──>  3. DESIGN  ──>  4. IMPLEMENT            │
│        │                                                    │              │
│        │         7. OPTIMIZE  <──  6. ANALYZE  <──  5. TEST               │
│        │              │                                                    │
│        └──────────────┴────────────────────────────────────────────────────┘
└─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┘

Step 1: Understand the Problem

Key Actions

  • Ask clarifying questions: Input constraints, return type, edge cases
  • Restate the problem: Explain it in your own words
  • Work through examples: Confirm understanding with interviewer
Question Type Example
Input constraints "What's the maximum array size?"
Return type "Should I return the value or the index?"
Edge cases "What if the input is empty?"
Performance "Do I need O(n) or is O(n log n) acceptable?"

Step 2: Plan Your Approach

Key Actions

  • Think out loud: Share your reasoning process
  • Start simple: Begin with brute force, then optimize
  • Consider patterns: Which algorithm pattern fits?

Step 3: Design Your Solution

Key Actions

  • Write pseudocode: High-level steps before coding
  • Verify with examples: Walk through logic manually
  • Get approval: Confirm approach before implementing

Edge Cases Checklist:

  • [ ] Empty input
  • [ ] Single element
  • [ ] All same elements
  • [ ] Maximum/minimum values
  • [ ] Negative numbers, zeros

Step 4: Implement Your Code

Key Actions

  • Use meaningful names: left, right not i, j
  • Comment complex logic: One-liner for tricky parts
  • Communicate while coding: Explain what you're writing

Step 5: Test Your Solution

Key Actions

  • Trace execution: Step through with variable values
  • Test edge cases: Empty, single, duplicates
  • Find and fix bugs: Check boundary conditions

Step 6: Analyze Complexity

Key Actions

  • Time complexity: Count operations, express in Big O
  • Space complexity: Count extra memory, include stack space
  • Justify your analysis: Explain the reasoning

Step 7: Optimize and Discuss

Key Actions

  • Consider improvements: Better algorithms, data structures?
  • Discuss trade-offs: Time vs space, simplicity vs performance
  • Show depth: Mention alternative approaches

Communication Best Practices

Do This

  • Be collaborative: Treat interviewer as teammate
  • Think out loud: Verbalize your reasoning
  • Be honest: Admit what you don't know
  • Stay positive: View hints as helpful, not failures

Avoid This

  • Don't jump to code: Plan first, code second
  • Don't be silent: Interviewer can't see your thoughts
  • Don't give up: Keep trying, ask for hints
  • Don't ignore hints: They're meant to help

Time Management

Session Allocation (45-60 minutes)

┌────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┐
│                         TIME ALLOCATION                                     │
├────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┤
│                                                                            │
│  ██████████░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░  Understand (5 min)      │
│  ░░░░░░░░░░██████████████████░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░  Plan (10 min)           │
│  ░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░█████████████████░░  Code (20-25 min)        │
│  ░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░███  Test (5-10 min)         │
│  ░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░█  Optimize (5 min)        │
│                                                                            │
└────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┘

Preparation Strategy

10-Week Study Plan

Phase Duration Focus
Foundations Week 1-3 Data structures, basic algorithms, pattern recognition
Pattern Practice Week 4-7 One pattern per week, 5-10 problems each
Mock Interviews Week 8-9 Practice with peers, get feedback
Review Week 10 Revisit challenging problems, boost confidence

Daily Practice Routine

┌──────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┐
│  EFFECTIVE PRACTICE SESSION (60-90 minutes)              │
├──────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┤
│                                                          │
│  1. Warm-up (10 min)                                     │
│     └── Review yesterday's problems                      │
│                                                          │
│  2. New Problem (30-40 min)                              │
│     └── Solve without looking at solution                │
│                                                          │
│  3. Review Solution (15 min)                             │
│     └── Compare with optimal, understand gaps            │
│                                                          │
│  4. Spaced Repetition (10 min)                           │
│     └── Retry a problem from 3-7 days ago                │
│                                                          │
└──────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┘

Common Mistakes

Technical

Mistake Prevention
Off-by-one errors Use inclusive/exclusive consistently
Not handling edge cases Use the checklist above
Integer overflow Consider constraints, use long if needed
Incorrect complexity Practice analyzing complexity

Communication

Mistake Prevention
Jumping to code Verbally commit to plan first
Working in silence Set timer to speak every 30 seconds
Ignoring hints Pause, acknowledge, and incorporate
Not testing Always trace through with example

Day-Before Checklist

Technical

  • [ ] Review core patterns
  • [ ] Warm up with 1-2 easy problems
  • [ ] Review common mistakes

Logistics

  • [ ] Test camera, mic, internet
  • [ ] Prepare coding environment
  • [ ] Have backup contact method

Mental

  • [ ] Get 7-8 hours of sleep
  • [ ] Plan something relaxing
  • [ ] Review your accomplishments