How To Crack Coding Interviews? Indian Origin Software Engineer Shares Useful Insights

Recently, a LinkedIn post by an Indian-origin techie has gone viral after he shared valuable insights on cracking coding interviews. Sahil Gaba, a Seattle-based software engineer, highlighted a common misconception among candidates- they often perceive interviewers as judges waiting for them to fail. However, he emphasized that interviewers are actually the best resources during the process, and candidates should leverage their presence effectively.

With over six years of experience at Google and Amazon, Gaba challenged the conventional perspective of coding interviews in his post. Instead of approaching them with fear and anxiety, he suggests a strategic approach that can turn the interview into a collaborative experience. He outlined several key insights to help candidates use the interview to their advantage.

Key Tips To Crack Coding Interviews

1. Ask the Right Questions - Gaba stressed the importance of asking the right questions before diving into coding. Clarifying the problem upfront helps in understanding its nuances. He pointed out that responses of interviewers can often provide subtle hints, making it easier to navigate the solution.

2. Think Out Loud - If you ever feel stuck or confused, verbalizing your thought process can be a game-changer. Gaba noted that interviewers often enjoy guiding candidates in the right direction. By thinking out loud, you invite them into your problem-solving approach, increasing the chances of receiving subtle nudges that can help you refine your solution.

3. Frame Your Approaches - During the interview, if you feel lost, don't panic. Instead, take a moment to evaluate the different approaches you could take. Clearly outline why you are considering Approach A over Approach B.
Further, Gaba shared his own Amazon interview experience, where he encountered a challenging dynamic programming problem. Instead of freezing up, he decided to discuss his potential approaches with his interviewers and keenly observed their reactions. While explaining his second approach, he noticed a subtle change in his interviewer's expression, which gave him the confirmation he needed.

He also emphasized that interviewers are humans too, and they aim to create a positive and engaging interview experience. However, many candidates let their nervousness take over, preventing them from enjoying the process.
Gaba concluded his post with an invaluable piece of advice, "The best code you'll write in an interview isn't the one you prepared. It's the one you build together with your interviewer."

Viral LinkedIn Reactions

The post quickly gained traction on LinkedIn, sparking a wave of engagement and appreciation from professionals and tech enthusiasts alike.

"Thanks for sharing these awesome tips, Sahil!" the official LinkedIn handle of Google reacted.

A user posted, "This is excellent advice! Shifting the perspective from "judge" to "collaborator" is key. The tips on asking clarifying questions and thinking out loud are particularly valuable. This approach turns the interview into a productive problem-solving session."

Another user added, "Great advice Sahil Gaba. The interviewer isn't just looking at your skills. They are also looking at whether they would want you as a potential colleague. Building rapport with them can go a long way in landing a role."

Gaba's insights have shown that by shifting perspectives candidates can transform coding interviews from nerve-wracking experiences into opportunities for meaningful collaboration and learning.