Yes, this happens to everybody.

You have prepared hard for the final day in which you should be crushing it! Those 200+ questions solved lately are definitely going to pay off! And they do not! You receive a problem which has nothing to do with the ones you have solved before. Or at least that’s what you think! Your response resembles that popular Disney movie with the blonde princess: Frozen. Here’s what to do in these situations:

  1. How quick and seemingly comfortable you have solved the question is not the point. It is something like 10% of the whole process. Do you think the interviewers read the questions they are supposed to ask you and poof, they instantly come up with the best solution? No, they are also human and they take serious time to make sure they are prepared to guide you during the interview (or at least they should be).

  2. I know it seems impossible on the spot, but what you have to do in this type of scenario is to open your mouth. Nobody likes a person which can’t express their feelings. It’s the biggest red flag you can show a interviewer. That person not only wants to test your coding skills, but how good of a team player you are. The second one is most of the time more important than the first. History is the best of argument why. So, forget about EGO, solving the problem perfectly from the first try faster than Usain Bolt. Just talk. Say to the recruiter what ideas you have and why they don’t work here. Say that you don’t have any idea. Ask for a hint. You are not going to be the prophet that solved the problem with no effort, but you get extra points for communication.

  3. There are bad days. Don’t give up! The human brain and body are so complex that we still don’t possess fully understanding of. You can’t expect for all of your performances to be the exact same. If I think about it, you don’t want to! It would be too boring and predictable. Where is the challenge in that? You responsibility is to acknowledge this and yes, work hard to minimize the chances of happening. Solve your performance anxiety, social skills and pressure management. Do everything you need to do! But don’t expect the chance of having a bad day to hit 0% because it will never do. Have fun and at least solve the problem the next day, I often solve them in less than 5 minutes the next day.

Enjoy the hero’s journey,

Andy