When it comes to coding challenges, FAANG and non-FAANG companies have their own unique approaches. While FAANG giants tend to emphasize algorithmic problems, non-FAANG companies take a different route by prioritizing real-world coding challenges.
In this article, we're going to dive into more actionable study strategies and coding interview prep plans to conquer both types. We'll provide detailed guidance on how to optimize your study time effectively, how to practice coding challenges on dedicated platforms and how to build confidence for the big day.
So, let's jump right in!
Fast Prep Plan (2 Weeks)
The fast prep plan is perfect for individuals looking to efficiently prepare for real-life coding tests in a limited timeframe. This plan offers a focused and accelerated approach to coding interview preparation. It is structured over two weeks, with each week dedicated to a specific objective.
Week 1: Refresh Your Knowledge on Relevant Technologies and Tools
The fast prep plan's first week is dedicated to brushing up on your knowledge of pertinent technologies and tools. Reviewing programming languages, data structures, algorithms, and other ideas relevant to your coding test can be a good place to start. Reading suitable books, watching instructional videos online, and taking relevant and important courses can help you achieve all this. Finally, you can test your understanding of these ideas by practicing coding exercises.
Additionally, getting acquainted with the tools and technologies used frequently in your desired role is another crucial aspect of week 1. It means you must have relevant information about the job you are applying for. For instance, you should be familiar with and trained with well-known databases, web frameworks, and APIs if you are applying for a position as a back-end engineer. Likewise, if you are applying for a front-end job, you should be comfortable with web development technologies such as HTML, CSS, and JavaScript.
Week 2: Practice Real-Life Coding Challenges and Review
The fast prep plan's second week is dedicated to reviewing your progress and practicing real-world coding challenges. You can begin by familiarizing yourself with problems comparable to those you anticipate in your actual coding test. Then, you can practice coding challenges using online resources like Rviewer, LeetCode, HackerRank, CodeSignal, CoderPad, etc. You should also review your solutions and identify areas where you can improve.
In week 2, after practicing coding challenges, you must seek feedback from others actively. For example, you can ask a friend or mentor to review your solutions and offer suggestions for improvement. It is one of the best methods that can assist your growth because friends and coworkers are the most accessible people to ask for assistance from and who can provide you with the honest feedback needed on your work. As a result, you can use this feedback to pinpoint and work on those knowledge gaps and areas which require attention.
Comprehensive Prep Plan (1 Month)
The comprehensive prep plan is the best option for those with more time to study and who want to have extensive knowledge about the theories and tools pertinent to their desired role. It aims to provide a thorough systematic approach to preparing for coding interviews. The plan is distributed over four weeks, which is shown as follows.
Week 1-2: Learn and Practice Core Concepts
The comprehensive prep plan's initial two weeks are devoted to studying and practicing core concepts. You can review and put to practice programming languages, data structures, algorithms, and other essential ideas during this time. Additionally, it is a good idea to start creating simple projects demonstrating your command of these ideas and strengthening your portfolio, which is one of the most important factors considered while being shortlisted for a job.
As discussed above, it is critical to recognize your weak points and devote more practice time to them. For instance, if dynamic programming is difficult, concentrate on solving more dynamic programming problems. You can take help from various online sources such as Rviewer, CodeChef, CheckIO, LeetCode, HackerRank, etc.
Week 3-4: Deep Dive into Specialized Topics
During these two weeks, you can learn about the specialized topics in detail for your desired role. For instance, if you are applying for the Data Scientist position, you should be familiar with the specialized data analysis tools available, like NumPy, and being used in the market so that you are comfortable with them and can match the job description requirements—the better proficiency, the better the chances of getting hired.
You can learn about the more focused topics and tools through various sources, such as video tutorials, online courses, and reading relevant books. Additionally, you can use the technologies you are learning to work on projects. Using this strategy will enable you to demonstrate your skills to prospective employers and solidify your understanding of these technologies.
Final Week: Mock Interviews and Review
The final week of the comprehensive prep plan focuses on mock interviews and reviews. To begin, you can set up practice or mock interviews with friends, mentors, or people in related fields. In addition, you can also use online platforms, such as Pramp, Gainlo, Preplaced, InterviewBuddy, Codility, Interviewing, etc. These interviews simulate a real-world coding test and help you determine where to improve. Due to this, you can evaluate your performance and identify your improvement areas. As a result, you will be able to improve your performance in your actual coding test by using this feedback to polish your skills.
Practice Real-Life Coding Challenges by Difficulty Level
While we have mentioned a few platforms for practicing real-life coding challenges in this article, let's now shift our focus to the engaging real-life coding challenges you can find on Rviewer. Our challenges are carefully crafted to simulate real-world project scenarios, offering you an authentic experience that mirrors actual work environments. So, whether you're looking to enhance your backend, frontend, or fullstack skills, we have a range of coding problems to help you practice and sharpen your abilities.
Back-End Challenges
E-wok
E-wok is a backend coding easy-level difficulty challenge in which you must create an online home delivery service for the popular Wok restaurant chain. It requires the development of a RESTful API capable of retrieving, creating, and updating data in a database.
Unsafebox API
Unsafebox API is a backend coding medium-level difficulty challenge in which you must create a secure digital deposit box that allows the users to add items and keeps them safe from others. It involves building an API to receive, process, and store files securely.
Front-End Challenges
Dreadful Cherry Tomatoes
Dreadful cherry tomatoes is a front-end coding easy-level difficulty in which you must build a web application that lets users find the latest blockbuster movies. The basic agenda of this challenge is that the user can build a responsive webpage that displays a list of items.
Find Four
Find four is a front-end coding medium-level difficulty challenge that involves judging specific skill sets, such as JavaScript/React, in building a web application that allows users to play a game of connect four against an AI opponent.
Full-Stack Challenges
Thirst App
Thirst app is a full-stack coding easy-level difficulty challenge that involves building a web application that allows users to search for and buy beverages. The basic agenda of this challenge is that the user can build a responsive webpage that searches and displays a list of items.
Twitter Mirroring
Twitter mirroring is a full-stack coding medium-level difficulty challenge in which you must duplicate Twitter feed UI in your custom-built app. It judges you on building a web application that can mirror the functionality of Twitter.
Wrapping Up
Preparing for a real-world coding test takes time, effort, and dedication. Choosing the right preparation strategy is crucial to your success. Whether you follow a fast or comprehensive prep plan, staying motivated and consistent is key.
Remember, coding interviews assess more than just technical skills. They evaluate your capacity to learn, collaborate, and communicate effectively. To ensure your success, continue learning and practicing even after the interview, as there are always opportunities to enhance your skills.