Final Checklist Before Your Coding Interview Day: 100 Essential Points to Remember

Preparing for a coding interview can be an intense and nerve-wracking experience. Whether you’re aiming for a position at a FAANG company (Facebook, Amazon, Apple, Netflix, Google) or any other tech firm, thorough preparation is key to success. To help you feel confident and ready on the big day, we’ve compiled a comprehensive checklist of 100 essential points to remember before your coding interview. Let’s dive in!

Technical Preparation

1. Data Structures

1. Review arrays and their time complexities
2. Understand linked lists (singly and doubly)
3. Master stack and queue implementations
4. Know how to use hash tables effectively
5. Refresh your knowledge of trees (binary, AVL, Red-Black)
6. Practice with graphs (directed and undirected)
7. Understand heaps (min-heap and max-heap)
8. Review tries for string-related problems

2. Algorithms

9. Master sorting algorithms (quicksort, mergesort, heapsort)
10. Understand searching algorithms (binary search, depth-first search, breadth-first search)
11. Practice dynamic programming problems
12. Review greedy algorithms
13. Understand divide and conquer strategies
14. Master recursion and when to use it
15. Know how to implement backtracking algorithms
16. Understand the basics of graph algorithms (Dijkstra’s, Bellman-Ford)

3. Time and Space Complexity

17. Review Big O notation
18. Understand time complexity analysis
19. Practice space complexity analysis
20. Know common time complexities (O(1), O(log n), O(n), O(n log n), O(n^2))
21. Be able to optimize solutions for better time/space complexity

4. Problem-Solving Strategies

22. Practice breaking down complex problems into smaller steps
23. Learn to identify patterns in problems
24. Develop a systematic approach to problem-solving
25. Practice explaining your thought process out loud
26. Learn to ask clarifying questions when needed

5. Coding Practice

27. Solve problems on platforms like LeetCode, HackerRank, or AlgoCademy
28. Practice writing clean, readable code
29. Get comfortable with whiteboard coding
30. Time yourself while solving problems
31. Review and understand multiple solutions to each problem

Language-Specific Preparation

6. Choose Your Primary Language

32. Decide on the programming language you’ll use in the interview
33. Ensure you’re comfortable with its syntax and features
34. Review language-specific best practices and conventions

7. Language Fundamentals

35. Review basic syntax and control structures
36. Understand object-oriented programming concepts (if applicable)
37. Know how to work with arrays and strings efficiently
38. Understand memory management in your chosen language
39. Review common built-in functions and libraries

8. Data Structure Implementations

40. Know how to implement basic data structures in your chosen language
41. Understand language-specific optimizations for data structures
42. Be familiar with the standard library’s data structure implementations

Behavioral Preparation

9. Company Research

43. Research the company’s history and mission
44. Understand the company’s products or services
45. Read recent news or press releases about the company
46. Familiarize yourself with the company’s culture and values

10. Prepare Your Personal Pitch

47. Craft a concise introduction about yourself
48. Highlight relevant experience and skills
49. Practice delivering your pitch confidently

11. Behavioral Questions

50. Prepare answers for common behavioral questions
51. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) for structuring responses
52. Have specific examples ready to illustrate your skills and experiences
53. Practice answering questions about teamwork and conflict resolution

12. Questions for the Interviewer

54. Prepare thoughtful questions about the role and company
55. Ask about team dynamics and project management methodologies
56. Inquire about growth opportunities within the company

Interview Day Preparation

13. Logistics

57. Confirm the interview time and format (in-person or virtual)
58. Know the exact location or video conferencing details
59. Plan your route and arrival time (if in-person)
60. Test your internet connection and equipment (if virtual)
61. Have a backup plan for technical issues (if virtual)

14. What to Bring

62. Bring multiple copies of your resume
63. Carry a notepad and pen
64. Bring a water bottle
65. Have your ID ready (if required for building access)

15. Dress Code

66. Research the company’s dress code
67. Choose appropriate attire (usually business casual for tech interviews)
68. Ensure your clothes are clean and wrinkle-free

16. Mental Preparation

69. Get a good night’s sleep before the interview
70. Eat a healthy meal before the interview
71. Practice relaxation techniques to manage anxiety
72. Remind yourself of your strengths and accomplishments
73. Arrive early to allow time to compose yourself

During the Interview

17. Communication

74. Greet the interviewer professionally
75. Maintain good eye contact
76. Speak clearly and at a moderate pace
77. Listen actively and ask for clarification when needed
78. Think out loud while solving problems

18. Problem-Solving Approach

79. Read the problem carefully and ask clarifying questions
80. Discuss your approach before starting to code
81. Consider edge cases and potential optimizations
82. Write clean, well-commented code
83. Test your solution with sample inputs

19. Handling Difficult Questions

84. Stay calm if you encounter a challenging problem
85. Break down the problem into smaller steps
86. Communicate your thought process, even if you’re unsure
87. Ask for hints if you’re completely stuck
88. Be open to feedback and suggestions from the interviewer

20. Closing the Interview

89. Ask your prepared questions about the role and company
90. Express your enthusiasm for the position
91. Thank the interviewer for their time
92. Ask about the next steps in the hiring process

Post-Interview

21. Follow-Up

93. Send a thank-you email within 24 hours
94. Reflect on your performance and areas for improvement
95. Follow up if you haven’t heard back within the specified timeframe

22. Continuous Improvement

96. Continue practicing coding problems regularly
97. Stay updated with industry trends and technologies
98. Network with other professionals in your field
99. Consider contributing to open-source projects
100. Keep refining your skills and expanding your knowledge

Conclusion

Preparing for a coding interview is a challenging but rewarding process. By following this comprehensive checklist, you’ll be well-equipped to tackle both the technical and non-technical aspects of your interview. Remember, practice and preparation are key to success. Stay confident, be yourself, and showcase your problem-solving skills.

Good luck with your upcoming interview! With thorough preparation and the right mindset, you’ll be well on your way to landing your dream job in the tech industry.