How I Would Prepare For Coding Interviews (if I could do it all over again)

Step-by-Step Tutorial: How to Prepare for Coding Interviews

Step 1: Understand the Basics

• Start by learning the fundamentals of data structures and algorithms.
• Familiarize yourself with data structures like arrays, linked lists, hash maps, queues, stacks, trees, and graphs.
• Learn algorithms such as breadth-first search, depth-first search, and recursion.

Step 2: Practice with Easy Problems

• Begin your coding interview preparation by solving easy coding problems.
• Focus on understanding the logic of the solution rather than getting caught up in syntax.
• Consider using a beginner-friendly language like Python for easier syntax.

Step 3: Utilize Online Coding Platforms

• Explore online coding platforms like HackerRank to practice coding problems.
• Attempt problems similar to what you may encounter in actual interviews.
• Review and understand the solutions to improve your problem-solving skills.

Step 4: Optimize Your Problem-Solving Approach

• Set a time limit for each problem-solving session, such as 30 minutes.
• If you are stuck after 30 minutes, review the solution and understand the logic behind it.
• Implement the solution in code yourself within another 30 minutes to reinforce your understanding.

Step 5: Follow a Structured Study Plan

• Create a strict study schedule at least three months before applying for jobs.
• Aim to solve 2-3 coding interview questions per day to build proficiency.
• Gradually increase the difficulty of the problems as you progress through your preparation.

Step 6: Maintain Skills and Confidence

• As you near the interview stage, reduce the number of practice problems to one per day.
• Focus on maintaining your skills and staying fresh for upcoming interviews.
• Treat your preparation like an athlete's off-season training, aiming to peak at the right time.

Step 7: Review and Reflect

• Continuously review your progress and reflect on areas of improvement.
• Stay consistent with your practice and adapt your study plan as needed.
• Stay motivated and focused on your goal of landing your dream job in software engineering.

By following these steps and maintaining a dedicated study routine, you can effectively prepare for coding interviews and increase your chances of success in the job market. Good luck with your coding interview preparation journey!