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Alex R
Alex R

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Level Up Your Coding Interview Skills: 5 Secret Weapons

Coding interviews are designed to be a challenge. I should know — I failed, then passed Meta’s notoriously difficult coding interview, and went on to grow into a senior engineering manager there.

If you haven’t done one for a while, or ever, it’s normal to get stuck while solving a coding problem. From staying calm under pressure to breaking down complex problems into manageable steps, here are 5 tried-and-true ways to unblock yourself during a live technical interview:

✖️ Don’t panic

If you don’t know how to address a coding problem immediately, first make sure you understand it. Try to verbalize the problem’s input, the expected output, and any known constraints to verify that you have grasped what is being asked.

💡 Ask for clarity

Many coding problems are ambiguous on purpose. If something is unclear, ask questions. Make sure your assumptions are correct.

🔨 Break it down

Divide the problem into smaller steps that build on each other. Consider the order of execution and tackle each part systematically.

🧠 Think out loud

Talk through your thought process. Speaking aloud can help you organize your thoughts and identify a solution.

✅ Use examples

Work through examples and test with real data. If the interviewer provides specific examples, be sure to use those!

Remember

Interviewers are not only evaluating your final solution but also your problem-solving skills, adaptability, and how you handle challenges in real time. By using these 5 tactics during the interview, you can increase your chances of finding a solution and making a positive impression.

➡️ Want to improve your interviewing skills?

👇 Check the link in the comments to sign up!

Give this post a like 👍 or a repost ♻️ to share this incredible program with your network!

What other tactics do you use to get #unstuck? Let me know in the comments.

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Top comments (6)

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CatrinStaff

Everyone has their own interests, but I really like hunting and this is my hobby. The only thing I can recommend to you is atncorp.com/smart-hd-binocular. I bought modern and high-quality binoculars there, which help me better track my prey and know the distance to it. Great option!

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Adam Kris

You can join open source projects or look for opportunities to work with others to develop your coding interview skills slither io through working in a real-world environment.

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alexr profile image
Alex R

Systems Design Interview @ Meta (Facebook): The Complete Guide

Preparing for a system design interview? This guide collects comprehensive resources to tackle system design questions, design scalable systems, review common questions with detailed solutions, practice skills, and ace your next technical

engineeringbolt.com/tech/systems-d...

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Clyde Burns

@geometry dash breeze Much obliged. If you don't understand the answer right away, don't freak out.

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lilycollin-87

Many thanks! Don't panic if you don't get the solution immediately. Clarify your understanding of the slope problem first.

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panda

Wonderful blog. It was fun to read your posts. This book was really fun for me to read. I've saved it and can't wait to read more from it. Keep up your wonderful work! run 3