How to Prepare for Software Engineering Interviews in 2024

I bombed my first interview. Hard.

I'd spent months grinding LeetCode. Solved hundreds of problems. Felt confident. Then the interviewer asked me to design a system. I had no idea where to start. I just stared at the screen, my mind completely blank.

That's when I realized: interviews aren't just about coding. They're about thinking, communicating, and solving problems under pressure. And I had no idea how to do any of that.

Let me save you from making the same mistakes I did.

What Actually Matters

Here's the thing most people get wrong: interviews aren't testing whether you can memorize algorithms. They're testing how you think.

The best interview performance isn't about getting the right answer—it's about showing how you approach problems.

Most interviews test three things:

1. Problem-solving ability - Can you break down complex problems?
2. Communication - Can you explain your thinking?
3. Technical depth - Do you understand the fundamentals?

Notice I didn't say "can you memorize 500 algorithms." That's not what they're testing. They want to see how you think under pressure.

My Preparation Strategy

I developed this after failing miserably at my first few interviews. Here's what worked:

Phase 1: Fundamentals (Weeks 1-2)

Start with the basics. I mean really basic. Arrays, strings, hash maps. Master these before moving on. I spent two weeks just on arrays and strings. Boring? Yes. Effective? Absolutely.

The key is understanding patterns, not memorizing solutions. Once you see the pattern, similar problems become easier.

// This is what I thought interviews were about
function reverseLinkedList(head) {
let prev = null;
let current = head;

while (current) {
  const next = current.next;
  current.next = prev;
  prev = current;
  current = next;
}

return prev;
}

// But interviews are really about this:
function communicateSolution(problem) {
// 1. Understand the problem
// 2. Ask clarifying questions
// 3. Explain your approach
// 4. Code with explanation
// 5. Test and optimize
}

Phase 2: Core Algorithms (Weeks 3-6)

Now we get into the meat. Sorting, searching, dynamic programming, graphs. But here's the thing—don't just solve problems. Understand why each algorithm exists, when to use it, and what the trade-offs are.

I made the mistake of solving problems without understanding them. Don't do that. Take time to really understand each concept.

Phase 3: System Design (Weeks 7-8)

This is where most people fail. Including me, the first time. You can solve all the coding problems perfectly, but if you can't design a system, you're not getting that offer.

Start simple. Design a URL shortener. Then scale it. Think about databases, caching, load balancing. Draw diagrams. Explain your choices.

The Interview Day

Alright, interview day. Here's what I do:

Before the interview:

• Review my notes (not new problems, just concepts)
• Get good sleep (seriously, this matters)
• Arrive early (virtual or in-person)

During the interview:

• Listen carefully to the problem
• Ask clarifying questions immediately
• Think out loud (this is crucial)
• Start with brute force, then optimize
• Test your solution with examples

After the interview:

• Send a thank you note
• Reflect on what went well and what didn't
• Don't obsess over it (easier said than done, I know)

Common Mistakes (I Made Them All)

Let me save you some pain:

1. Jumping to code too fast - Take time to understand the problem
2. Not asking questions - Interviewers want to see you think
3. Giving up too early - Show your problem-solving process
4. Not testing your code - Always walk through examples
5. Being too quiet - Communication is part of the evaluation

Resources That Actually Helped

I tried a lot of resources. Here's what worked:

• LeetCode - But only after understanding fundamentals
• System Design Primer - For system design interviews
• Mock interviews - Practice with real people
• Company-specific prep - Each company has different styles

The Mindset Shift

Here's the thing I wish someone told me earlier: interviews are a two-way street. You're also evaluating them. If they're asking ridiculous questions or treating you poorly, that's a red flag.

Also, rejection isn't failure. I got rejected from my dream company. Twice. Then I got an offer from a company I ended up loving even more. Sometimes the universe has better plans.

Every rejection is practice for the next interview. Even if you don't get the offer, you've learned something valuable.

Final Thoughts

Preparation matters. But so does being yourself. Don't try to be the perfect candidate—be the authentic you who can solve problems and communicate well.

And remember, every interview is practice for the next one. Even if you don't get the offer, you've learned something. That's valuable.

Good luck out there. You've got this.