How I Cleared My Google Interviews - Use LeetCode Effectively!

Introduction

This tutorial is designed to help you effectively use LeetCode to prepare for Google interviews and enhance your problem-solving skills. By following these steps, you can streamline your preparation process and increase your chances of success in technical interviews.

Step 1: Finding Problems on LeetCode

Start by exploring LeetCode’s problem sets. Focus on

• Easy Problems: Build confidence and familiarize yourself with the platform.
• Medium Problems: These are commonly asked during interviews; aim for a good mix.
• Hard Problems: Tackle these only after you are comfortable with easier ones.

Use the Tags and Filters

• Filter problems by topics relevant to your role (e.g., arrays, trees, dynamic programming).
• Look for problems that have been frequently asked in interviews.

Step 2: Dealing with Stuck Moments

When you encounter a problem that seems difficult

• Take a Break: Step away for a few minutes to clear your mind.
• Review Related Concepts: Refresh your knowledge on the specific data structures or algorithms needed.
• Check Discuss Section: LeetCode has community discussions where you can find hints or solutions to similar problems.

Step 3: Best Practices for Finding Solutions

Approach each problem systematically

• Understand the Problem: Read the problem statement carefully and identify inputs and outputs.
• Plan Your Approach: Before coding, outline your thought process on paper or a whiteboard.
• Write Pseudocode: This helps in structuring your logic before implementing it in code.
• Implement the solution in small chunks, testing as you go.

Step 4: Approaching a Problem Effectively

Follow a structured approach

• Understand Requirements: Clarify any doubts about the problem statement.
• Identify Constraints: Knowing the limits helps in choosing the right algorithm.
• Choose an Algorithm: Decide on the most efficient algorithm based on your understanding.
• Test your code with various edge cases to ensure robustness.

Step 5: Post-Course Completion Actions

After finishing a course or a set of problems

• Revise Key Concepts: Revisit important algorithms and data structures.
• Mock Interviews: Participate in mock interviews to simulate the real scenario.
• Join Study Groups: Collaborate with peers for shared learning experiences and support.

Step 6: Additional Resources for Interview Preparation

Utilize the following resources

• YouTube Channels: Follow channels focused on coding interviews.
• Books: Consider reading books like "Cracking the Coding Interview" for in-depth understanding.
• Online Courses: Enroll in courses that cover data structures, algorithms, and interview techniques.

Conclusion

By following these steps, you can maximize your effectiveness in preparing for Google interviews using LeetCode. Regular practice, understanding your weaknesses, and engaging with community resources will help you build confidence and improve your problem-solving abilities. Make sure to keep practicing and iterating on your approach for the best results.