8 things I learned from a dozen technical interviews

Summary

In this video, software engineer Utsav shares valuable insights from his tech company interview experiences. He emphasizes the importance of preparation, the necessity of conducting numerous interviews, the critical role of mastering data structures and algorithms, the challenge of advanced topics, and the significance of mock interviews. He also discusses the intricacies of system design interviews and the importance of understanding one's worth in salary negotiations.

Takeaways

• 📚 Preparation is critical for tech interviews and requires deliberate practice and a consistent schedule.
• 🔍 Interviewing frequently and organizing interviews deliberately helps to improve performance and manage expectations.
• 💼 Prioritize mastering data structures and algorithms as they are fundamental to succeeding in technical interviews.
• 🔑 Advanced data structures and algorithms are rarely required in interviews, but a solid understanding of basic ones is essential.
• 👥 Engaging in numerous mock interviews can significantly improve interview skills and provide valuable feedback.
• 🛠 System design interviews are challenging and require in-depth preparation beyond just having experience.
• 🎯 Quality system design resources are difficult to find, and self-study is crucial for mastering the subject.
• 🤔 Feeling good about an interview doesn't guarantee success; focus on technical details and practice.
• 💰 Prioritize understanding your worth and practicing negotiation skills before entering the job market.
• 🏢 Consider company culture, team dynamics, and project alignment as important factors beyond compensation.
• 🔄 Be prepared to switch focus from negotiation to evaluating the overall job opportunity once a fair compensation is established.

Q & A

What was the primary purpose of the video?

The primary purpose of the video was to share insights and lessons learned from the experience of interviewing at various tech companies.

Why did the speaker take a year off from full-time work?

The speaker took a year off to focus on side projects and personal hobbies.

What was the speaker's initial experience with the first interview after taking a break from full-time work?

The speaker found the first interview to be more challenging than expected, realizing the underestimation of the pressure and the need for better preparation.

What is the importance of preparation in the interview process according to the speaker?

Preparation is critical as it involves deliberate practice, a structured schedule, and consistency to be ready for the interview as a candidate.

Why is it suggested to have a lot of interviews lined up?

Having multiple interviews lined up helps with accountability, learning from each experience, and not having time to dwell on the outcome of each interview.

What strategy is recommended for organizing interviews?

It's recommended to start with the least exciting interviews and save the most coveted companies for last to leverage the improvement gained through practice.

Why is it crucial not to attempt interviews without a strong foundation in data structures and algorithms?

Without a strong foundation, candidates are setting themselves up for failure as these fundamentals are critical to solving interview problems effectively.

What was the speaker's experience with advanced data structures and algorithms during the interviews?

The speaker did not encounter advanced data structures and algorithms questions that were beyond their knowledge, indicating that a solid understanding of the basics is usually sufficient.

Why are mock interviews considered valuable in the interview preparation process?

Mock interviews provide realistic practice, help to overcome nerves, and offer feedback from seasoned interviewers, which is essential for improvement.

What is the speaker's advice regarding system design interviews?

The speaker advises that system design interviews require quality preparation, as they can be the deciding factor for hiring, level of hire, and compensation.

How should candidates approach compensation negotiation?

Candidates should know their worth, negotiate for it, and then shift focus to evaluating the company, team, projects, and culture for long-term job satisfaction.