The Essential Coding Interview Checklist

Coding interviews can be nerve-wracking. Under pressure, it's easy to overlook important details or rush through steps. I’ve designed this checklist to help you navigate the coding interview process systematically, ensuring you present your best self to potential employers.

You can use this checklist during the interview - this won’t be considered cheating!

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Before we dive into the list, let me introduce myself: I'm an ex-FAANG Senior Software Engineer who has conducted hundreds of coding interviews, currently on sabbatical. You can get free daily coding interview tips from me straight to your inbox by subscribing to my newsletter called Faangshui here: blog.faangshui.com. Let's also connect on Linkedin! Now let's get back to the checklist...

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Before You Start Coding

Do not rush into discussing the approach, instead focus on understanding the problem.

1. Understand the Problem Thoroughly

  • Clarify the Problem
    • [ ] Restate the problem in your own words.
    • [ ] Ask clarifying questions to resolve any uncertainties.
  • Confirm Inputs and Outputs
    • [ ] Determine expected input types and formats.
    • [ ] Verify the required output.
  • Identify Constraints and Edge Cases

Once you thoroughly understand the problem requirements, do not rush into coding. Instead start planning your solution.

2. Plan Your Solution

  • Think Out Loud
    • [ ] Share your thought process with the interviewer.
  • Outline Your Approach
    • [ ] Propose a high-level solution.
    • [ ] Explain why you chose this approach.
  • Select Appropriate Data Structures and Algorithms
    • [ ] Choose data structures that fit the problem.
    • [ ] Ensure your algorithm meets the constraints.

While Coding

Time is limited, but with just a little bit of effort, you can still write beautiful code and impress your interviewer.

3. Write Clean and Correct Code

  • Use Clear Naming
    • [ ] Use descriptive variable and function names.
  • Follow Coding Standards
    • [ ] Write readable and well-formatted code.
  • Code Incrementally
    • [ ] Implement your solution step by step.
  • Handle Edge Cases
    • [ ] Include checks for edge cases in your code.

After Coding

Do not just say “I’m done“. This is the moment where you show your professionalism.

4. Test Your Code

  • Run Through Test Cases
    • [ ] Test your code with sample inputs, including edge cases.
    • [ ] Verify that it produces the correct outputs.

5. Analyze Time and Space Complexity

  • Discuss Complexity
    • [ ] State the time complexity of your solution.
    • [ ] State the space complexity.
    • [ ] Confirm that it meets the problem's constraints.

6. Communicate and Reflect

  • Explain Your Code
    • [ ] Walk through your code with the interviewer.
    • [ ] Clarify any parts that may be confusing.
  • Be Open to Feedback
    • [ ] Listen to the interviewer's suggestions.
    • [ ] Be willing to discuss alternative approaches.

I have a few more tips in my blog here: https://blog.faangshui.com/p/the-essential-coding-interview-checklist

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