THIS Leetcode Strategy Got Me Multiple Big Tech Offers.

Summary

In this video, Meth Mongal, a software engineer at Google, shares his strategy for acing tech interviews and landing offers from top companies like Google, Amazon, and Microsoft. He emphasizes the importance of mastering fundamental programming concepts, such as data structures and algorithms (DSA), and offers advice on selecting the right programming language, understanding time and space complexity, and preparing for specific interview challenges. Meth suggests using resources like LeetCode Premium and the CTCI book, and provides a roadmap for practicing key algorithms, from arrays and linked lists to dynamic programming and graph theory. He also advises interviewees on handling tough situations during interviews.

Takeaways

• 😀 Choose a programming language you're comfortable with, especially for tech interviews. Languages like Python are often faster for certain problems compared to languages like C++.
• 😀 Time and space complexity are crucial concepts to understand for any engineering role. You must know the complexities of algorithms thoroughly, regardless of whether you're an intern, new grad, or senior engineer.
• 😀 DSA (Data Structures and Algorithms) fundamentals are critical for success. Make sure you understand basic data structures such as hashmaps, linked lists, and trees before tackling advanced problems.
• 😀 LeetCode Premium or the CTCI (Cracking the Coding Interview) book are highly recommended for practicing the most frequently asked questions in tech interviews, especially as the interview date approaches.
• 😀 Focus on mastering arrays, linked lists, and maps first, followed by searching and sorting algorithms, and tree traversals. This foundation is crucial for solving common interview problems.
• 😀 When preparing for more advanced roles like senior engineering, focus on complex topics such as graphs, backtracking, heaps, recursion, and dynamic programming (DP).
• 😀 For new grad and senior engineering roles, practice problems involving graphs, backtracking, and priority queues, as these are frequently asked by top companies.
• 😀 Solving LeetCode’s Blind 75 or Blind 150 problems in order provides a structured approach for mastering essential data structures and algorithms.
• 😀 Dynamic programming (DP) and more advanced structures like tries and union sets should be practiced toward the end of your preparation, once you are comfortable with medium- and hard-level problems.
• 😀 In a tech interview, always aim for a brute-force solution initially, but consider optimizations. If you're stuck, ask for clarification or hints from the interviewer—they’re there to help you succeed.

Q & A

What programming language should I use for technical interviews?

For most big tech companies, the programming language doesn't matter unless the role specifically requires one. It's important to choose a language you're comfortable with, but be aware that some languages like Python can be more efficient than C++ for certain tasks.

Why did the speaker fail an interview using C++?

The speaker used C++ because it executes faster, but the interview was focused on writing concise code. Using C++ resulted in too many lines of code, whereas Python could have solved the problem with fewer lines, leading to faster problem-solving.

What is the importance of time and space complexity in interviews?

Time and space complexity are crucial in interviews for all roles, including internships, new grads, and senior positions. You must be able to analyze and optimize your code with respect to these complexities to demonstrate your understanding and efficiency.

How important are data structure and algorithm (DSA) fundamentals in technical interviews?

Knowing DSA fundamentals is vital for solving problems efficiently. Many interview questions involve basic concepts like hashmaps or implementing an LRU cache. Strong DSA knowledge enables you to choose the right approach for problem-solving.

Should I use LeetCode premium or a different resource for interview preparation?

LeetCode Premium can be very helpful in preparing for interviews as it provides company-specific problems. However, if you're just starting, it's not essential. The CTCI book is also a good resource for brushing up on fundamentals.

What should I focus on when practicing for coding interviews?

Focus on key data structures and algorithms such as arrays, linked lists, maps, trees, sorting, and searching algorithms. These will be heavily tested in interviews, especially for internships and entry-level positions.

What is the recommended approach for solving LeetCode problems?

Start with basic problems like arrays, linked lists, and maps, then progressively move to more complex topics like graphs, recursion, and dynamic programming. For efficient learning, consider tackling problems in the order of their difficulty.

How can I prepare for more advanced technical interviews for senior roles?

For senior roles, focus on topics like graphs, backtracking, heaps, recursion, and dynamic programming. It's essential to master these advanced topics and understand how to apply them in different problem contexts.

What to do if you're stuck during a technical interview?

If you're stuck, ensure that you communicate with the interviewer and clarify your approach. Work towards finding a brute force solution and then optimize it. If needed, ask for hints rather than giving up, as interviewers appreciate candidates who seek help when necessary.

How can asking for clarification questions help during an interview?

Asking clarification questions helps ensure you're on the right track. It also shows the interviewer that you're engaged and thinking critically about the problem. It can prevent wasting time and making incorrect assumptions.