Interview Prep

🧩 Data Structures & Algorithms

Essential Topics to Master

Arrays & Strings: Two pointers, sliding window, prefix sums
Linked Lists: Reversal, cycle detection, merge operations
Trees & Graphs: BFS, DFS, binary search trees, traversals
Dynamic Programming: Memoization, tabulation, common patterns
Sorting & Searching: Binary search variations, merge sort, quick sort
Stacks & Queues: Monotonic stacks, priority queues
Hash Maps: Frequency counting, two sum patterns

💡 Pro Tip: Focus on understanding patterns rather than memorizing solutions. Most interview problems are variations of common patterns.

📚 LeetCode

Practice 150-200 problems covering all major patterns

📖 NeetCode 150

Curated list with video explanations for each problem

🎯 Blind 75

Most frequently asked questions at top companies

📝 Striver's SDE Sheet

Comprehensive roadmap for placement preparation

🏗️ System Design

Key Concepts to Learn

Scalability: Horizontal vs vertical scaling, load balancing
Databases: SQL vs NoSQL, sharding, replication, indexing
Caching: Redis, CDN, cache invalidation strategies
Message Queues: Kafka, RabbitMQ, async processing
Microservices: API design, service discovery, circuit breakers
CAP Theorem: Consistency, Availability, Partition tolerance trade-offs

Common System Design Questions

Design a URL shortener (like bit.ly)
Design a social media feed (like Twitter/Instagram)
Design a chat application (like WhatsApp)
Design a video streaming service (like YouTube)
Design an e-commerce platform (like Amazon)
Design a ride-sharing service (like Uber)

💡 Pro Tip: Always start by clarifying requirements, then discuss trade-offs. There's no perfect solution—show your thought process!

🗣️ Behavioral Interviews

The STAR Method

Structure your answers using this proven framework:

Situation: Set the context for your story
Task: Describe your responsibility
Action: Explain what you did (focus here!)
Result: Share the outcomes and learnings

Common Questions to Prepare

Tell me about yourself (2-minute elevator pitch)
Describe a challenging project you worked on
Tell me about a time you had a conflict with a teammate
How do you handle tight deadlines?
What's your biggest weakness? (And how are you improving?)
Why do you want to work at [Company]?
Where do you see yourself in 5 years?

✅ Interview Day Checklist

✓ Test your internet connection, camera, and microphone

✓ Have a glass of water nearby

✓ Keep your resume and notes accessible

✓ Research the company and interviewers

✓ Prepare 3-5 questions to ask the interviewer

✓ Join 5 minutes early

✓ Think out loud during coding problems

✓ Ask clarifying questions before coding

📅 Recommended Prep Timeline

Month 1-2: Foundation

Master basic data structures (arrays, strings, linked lists, trees). Solve 50-75 easy problems. Build a strong foundation.

Month 2-3: Intermediate

Learn graphs, dynamic programming, and advanced patterns. Solve 75-100 medium problems. Start timed practice.

Month 3-4: Advanced

System design fundamentals, hard problems, mock interviews. Practice under pressure. Refine your approach.

Final Week: Polish

Review your notes, practice behavioral questions, research target companies. Rest well before interviews!