JUST COPY THIS Method | How I Cracked FAANG Interviews (5 LPA → 50 LPA)

Summary

The speaker, an experienced engineer who has cracked over 100 interviews at major tech companies, explains that most candidates fail not due to lack of skill but due to poor preparation strategies. He highlights common mistakes such as solving random DSA problems, weak communication, misunderstanding system design expectations, and lacking a structured plan. He shares a proven method: set a clear target company, focus on problem-solving patterns over quantity, think out loud, approach system design logically, tailor resumes, prioritize mock interviews, and stay consistent even with a full-time job. The message emphasizes mindset, structure, and deliberate practice as the keys to succeeding in tech interviews.

Takeaways

• 😀 Focus on quality over quantity in interview preparation. Don't obsess over the number of problems solved, but rather the depth of understanding each pattern requires.
• 😀 Stop memorizing system design solutions. Focus on understanding functional and non-functional requirements and making informed trade-offs.
• 😀 Communication is key! Think out loud during interviews to demonstrate your thought process clearly. Silence can hurt your chances.
• 😀 Preparation should be aligned with the company and role expectations. Customize your resume to match the job description you're applying for.
• 😀 Mock interviews are essential. They help identify areas of weakness and build confidence, making you more prepared for the real interview.
• 😀 Don't treat interviews like exams. They're more like discussions where small mistakes are acceptable as long as you're able to iterate and learn from them.
• 😀 The biggest reason candidates fail is poor preparation strategy. Avoid random study methods and focus on structured, goal-oriented prep.
• 😀 System design preparation requires a deep dive into specific aspects like scaling, trade-offs, and latency vs. availability decisions.
• 😀 Understanding the company you're applying to and the role you're targeting is essential. Tailor your preparation accordingly.
• 😀 A lack of time isn't the problem – poor planning and inconsistency are. Even with a full-time job, consistency in short, focused sessions is key.
• 😀 Always stay consistent and structured in your preparation. A few minutes a day can be more effective than long, irregular study sessions.

Q & A

What is the main reason most engineers fail tech interviews according to the speaker?

Most engineers fail not because they lack skill, but because they prepare incorrectly—using random resources, solving unrelated problems, and lacking a structured plan aligned with the role or company.

Why does solving hundreds of LeetCode problems not guarantee success?

Because interviewers don’t test how many problems you've solved; they test how you think, communicate, and adapt under pressure. Pattern recognition, clarity of thought, and problem-solving under time constraints matter more than volume.

What role does communication play in interview success?

Communication is crucial. Candidates often fail even with correct solutions because they don’t explain their thought process, alternatives, trade-offs, or reasoning behind their choices.

What are common mistakes candidates make in system design interviews?

They rush into solutions, skip requirement gathering, avoid clarifying questions, fail to consider trade-offs, neglect scale discussions, and often memorize architectures instead of reasoning about real design decisions.

How does the speaker recommend approaching DSA preparation?

Focus on solving problems by patterns—like sliding window, DP, binary search, graphs—rather than random questions. Solve 10–15 quality problems per pattern and emphasize deep understanding over quantity.

What is the purpose of defining a target company before preparation?

It helps tailor preparation to the company’s expectations, interview style, domain, and salary benchmarks, creating sharp and effective preparation instead of random studying.

Why does the speaker emphasize ‘thinking out loud’?

Because interviewers cannot infer your reasoning unless you verbalize it. Silence disconnects them, while thinking out loud provides clear signals that help them evaluate your approach.

How should a resume be handled according to the speaker?

A resume should be customized for each application, aligned with the job description, contain only items you can confidently explain, and include relevant keywords to pass filters.

Why are mock interviews considered more important than real interviews?

Mocks reveal your mistakes, confusion points, and weak spots in a low-pressure environment. This feedback dramatically improves real interview performance and builds confidence.

How can someone prepare effectively with a full-time job?

By maintaining consistent, focused study sessions—even short daily practice—rather than relying on occasional long weekend sessions. Consistency outweighs duration.

What mindset shift does the speaker say candidates must adopt?

Interviews are not exams; they are discussions. Making small mistakes is expected, and correcting them collaboratively with the interviewer shows adaptability and strong reasoning.

What common behaviors harm a candidate’s performance during interviews?

Defending incorrect answers, refusing feedback, not asking for hints, getting stuck silently, or being overly rigid instead of adapting and discussing openly.