Title Interview Prep Playbook.pdf ✅

If you’ve made it to this module, that’s awesome. I’m incredibly excited for you, and I’m going to share everything I know from the dozens of big tech companies that I’ve interviewed with (Amazon, Databricks, Doordash, RobinHood, etc.) Side Note: If you’re feeling overwhelmed with the amount of resources in the Liftoff, I don’t blame you at all. That’s completely understandable. Here’s what I recommend: a) Beginners: If you want to learn/review the basics of Machine Learning, start with this study guide: 4 Must Know ML Concepts b) Intermediate: If you’re familiar with the basics of AI/ML, jump into the Fine Tuning LLMs course, and build a fantastic project for your portfolio. c) Advanced: If you’re looking to dive into more advanced research papers, check out the Technical Breakdowns. With that said, let’s get into the interview guide. We’re going to focus on two different types of roles: Engineering focused roles and Machine Learning focused roles. The Ultimate Guide to Software Engineering Interviews If you’re aiming for a Software Engineering role, this guide is for you. From OAs to on-sites, I’ve got you covered. The goal here is to break down the entire process and arm you with tips and tricks to make every stage as smooth as possible. Let’s dive in. Stage 1: Online Assessment (OA) This is often the first step after submitting your application. Think of it as a test of your programming and problem-solving skills. Not every company uses OAs, but if they do, it’s usually a make-or-break step. What You’ll Face ● Who gets an OA? ○ Some companies send OAs to everyone who applies. ○ Others use them as a filter for candidates with strong resumes.
● What’s on the OA? ○ Most of the time, you’ll see Data Structures and Algorithms (DSA) problems. ○ Occasionally, companies will throw in practical coding tasks like API work, debugging, or object-oriented programming. How to Prepare for OAs 1. Practice, Practice, Practice: LeetCode is your best friend here. ○ Use the company-specific problem sets. ○ Try their mock OA tests to simulate the real thing. 2. Cover the Basics: ○ Brush up on arrays, strings, linked lists, trees, graphs, dynamic programming, and recursion. ○ Make sure you’re fluent in the programming language you’ll use (Python, Java, etc.). 3. Get Comfortable with OA Platforms: ○ Companies use platforms like HackerRank, CodeSignal, or Codility. Practice on these to avoid surprises. Tips for OAs ● Treat it like a real exam: Find a quiet space, block out distractions, and focus. ● Time management is key: If you’re stuck on a problem, move on and come back later. ● Edge cases matter: Always test your code with edge cases (e.g., empty inputs, large inputs). Pro Tips: ● Some platforms award partial credit for passing test cases, while others are all-or-nothing. Check the rules before you start. ● Optimize your code early. Don’t settle for brute force if you have time to improve. ● Learn the shortcuts on platforms like HackerRank or CodeSignal to save precious seconds. Stage 2: Phone Screen This is usually the next step if you pass the OA. Phone screens come in two flavors: non-technical and technical. Non-Technical Phone Screen This is your chat with a recruiter. It’s mostly about making sure you’re a good fit and checking logistics like salary expectations and start dates.