Let’s get one thing straight:
You absolutely can crush your next tech interview.
Whether you’re applying for a startup, a big tech company, or a remote-first team, interviews aren’t just about getting the “right” answer—they’re about showing how you think.
Here’s what top candidates do differently:
1.Explain Your Thought Process
Don’t jump straight to coding. Walk your interviewer through how you’re approaching the problem.
- What are you optimizing for?
- Why this data structure?
- What’s your plan of attack?
Pro Tip: Interviewers want to see how you break down complexity, not just your final solution.
2. Handle Edge Cases
Tech isn’t perfect—and your code shouldn’t assume it is.
Be ready for:
- Empty inputs
- Null values
- Performance on large datasets
- Unexpected user behavior
Spotlight: Calling out edge cases shows maturity and attention to detail—two traits every engineering team values.
3. Ask Clarifying Questions
When you get a problem, don’t rush. Ask questions first.
- Can the input be negative?
- Are duplicates allowed?
- What’s the expected output format?
Why it matters: Asking questions shows you’re engaged, thoughtful, and focused on solving the right problem.
A tech interview isn’t just a test—it’s a conversation.
It’s about your problem-solving mindset, communication style, and collaborative thinking.
So the next time you sit down for an interview, remember:
You’re not there to show off—you’re there to show how you think.
