Interviewing

Software engineering interviews in 2026 still largely test algorithmic thinking and data structures, even for roles that will never touch a graph traversal problem in production. Whether that's fair is a separate debate — the practical question is how to prepare.

The most efficient approach: do a targeted block of practice (two to four weeks) before you start applying rather than cramming in parallel with live interviews. Get your fundamentals solid on LeetCode easy/medium, then do a handful of mock interviews to get comfortable talking through your thinking out loud.

Mock Interview Platforms

Practising alone won't prepare you for the pressure of a live interview. These platforms offer structured mock sessions, often with real engineers:

• Interview Query — Mock interviews with feedback, particularly strong for data engineering and analytics roles.
• Interview Kickstart — Bootcamp-style preparation targeting FAANG roles.
• Codementor — On-demand sessions with experienced developers — useful for general mentorship as well as interview prep.
• Hello Interview — Realistic mock technical interviews.
• Pramp — Free peer-to-peer mock interviews. You interview someone else while also being interviewed — good for getting volume in.
• Preplaced — 1:1 mentorship and mock interviews from senior engineers.
• TechMock Interview — Mock interviews focused on top-tier tech companies.
• AlgoExpert — Structured video explanations and coded examples for common interview questions.

Data Structures and Algorithms

The core of most technical screens. Focus on the patterns rather than memorising solutions — interviewers want to see how you think, not whether you've solved that exact problem before.

• LeetCode — The most widely used platform for coding interview practice. Start with the Blind 75 or NeetCode 150 lists for structured coverage of common question types.

Technical Question Practice

• HackerRank — Assessment platform also used by many companies during their hiring pipeline. Worth practicing in their environment if a company sends you a HackerRank test.
• Interview Cake — Explains the thinking behind each problem, not just the solution. Useful if you want to build intuition rather than just pattern-match.
• Interviewing.io — Anonymous mock interviews with engineers from top companies, plus a library of recorded interviews to watch.
• CodeSignal — Used by companies as part of their screening process. Familiarity with their IDE helps.
• CodeWars — Community-driven kata system, good for keeping sharp between applications.