Going to bomb a leetcode interview in an hour :(

Date : August 26, 2024
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Facing the LeetCode Monster: A Journey from Panic to Progress

When the opportunity to interview with a FAANG company lands in your lap, it can feel like a dream come true. But for some, it can also feel like a nightmare—especially when you have 20 years of programming experience but zero familiarity with the notorious LeetCode challenges. This was the predicament I found myself in recently, and let me tell you, it was a rollercoaster of emotions.

The Dreaded Invitation

I was recruited for an interview and, despite knowing I wasn’t well-prepared, I thought, “Why not?” But as the clock ticked down to the hour-long assessment, panic set in. I found myself wondering, “What am I supposed to do in this interview other than stare blankly at the screen?” The fear of embarrassment loomed large, and I couldn’t help but think, “Why did I do this to myself?” 😭

In that moment, I realized I wasn’t alone. Many others have been in similar situations, grappling with the pressure of a high-stakes interview. I reached out to some friends and online communities, seeking advice and shared experiences. It was comforting to know that I wasn’t the only one feeling unprepared.

The Interview Day

As the interview approached, I found solace in the fact that I could only do my best. I decided to embrace the experience, come what may. Would I pass? Who knows! But I was about to find out.

When the time finally came, I was pleasantly surprised. The interviewer was incredibly nice and didn’t make me feel dumb for my lack of familiarity with the LeetCode-style questions. To my relief, the questions felt more like “LeetCode light.” Although I knew I wasn’t performing at my best, I held on to the hope that I might still manage to impress them in some way.

In the end, I didn’t think my performance would be enough to move forward in the process, but I felt a sense of achievement for having faced my fears. ❤️

Reflections and Takeaways

Reflecting on the experience, I realized that the pressure I placed on myself was largely self-imposed. I learned that you can’t lose something you don’t have. This mindset shift allowed me to approach the interview with less anxiety and more curiosity.

Here are a few key takeaways for anyone facing similar pre-interview anxiety:

Embrace the Experience: Each interview is a learning opportunity. Regardless of the outcome, you gain invaluable experience that prepares you for future challenges.
Be Kind to Yourself: Remember, everyone has been in a position where they felt unprepared. It’s okay to not have all the answers. Focus on what you can control: your effort and attitude.
Seek Support: Online communities and friends can provide encouragement and advice, helping to alleviate some of the stress.
Practice Makes Perfect: While I didn’t excel in this interview, I now know what I need to work on. Setting aside time to practice coding challenges and familiarize myself with common interview questions will prepare me for the next opportunity.

A Bright Future Ahead

The support I received from others was heartwarming and motivational. It reminded me that the tech community is filled with individuals who understand the struggles of the job market.

For anyone else dealing with pre-interview anxiety, I highly recommend this helpful video I found: How to Cope with Interview Anxiety. It provided me with some useful tips and tricks to calm my nerves.

In conclusion, while my performance in the FAANG interview may not have been stellar, I walked away feeling empowered and ready to tackle the next challenge. So to all my fellow coders out there: don’t shy away from opportunities—embrace them, learn from them, and keep moving forward! 🚀