How to Get Unstuck During Coding Interviews

This article explains why Big Tech is reverting to in-person algorithmic interviews and offers a structured approach for candidates to succeed, particularly when facing difficult problems. The primary driver for this shift is the proliferation of AI tools that make it easy for candidates to cheat during remote interviews, reducing their effectiveness.

The State of Tech Interviews

Despite some companies like Shopify and Canva embracing AI tools, data from interviewing.io shows that 93% of Big Tech interviewers have not changed their algorithmic interview process. Companies like Google are reintroducing in-person rounds to verify fundamental skills. While alternatives like take-home projects or trial days exist, traditional data structure and algorithm (DS&A) interviews remain the industry standard because they are considered a scalable and cheat-resistant way to assess problem-solving skills under pressure.

The MIKE Framework for Getting Unstuck

The article introduces the “MIKE” framework from Mike Mroczka, author of Beyond Cracking the Coding Interview, as a systematic way to handle challenging interview problems:

• [M]inimally sketch the naive solution: Begin by outlining a simple, even inefficient, brute-force solution. This establishes a baseline, confirms understanding of the problem, and provides a starting point for optimization.
• [I]dentify upper and lower bounds: Use Big O analysis to determine the range of possible time complexities. This helps narrow down viable approaches and avoid wasting time on solutions that are either too slow or theoretically impossible.
• [K]eywords/triggers: Analyze the problem statement for keywords (e.g., “sorted array,” “parentheses”) that suggest specific data structures or algorithms (e.g., binary search, stack).
• [E]mploy boosters: If still stuck, use a series of advanced techniques, such as optimizing the brute-force solution or identifying useful properties in the problem.

Conclusion

The core takeaway is that in-person, time-pressured coding interviews are not disappearing. Rather than memorizing solutions, candidates should focus on developing a structured problem-solving methodology. The MIKE framework provides a clear plan to navigate uncertainty, demonstrate a logical thought process, and effectively work towards a solution during an interview.

Mentoring question

The MIKE framework offers a structured way to break down unfamiliar coding problems. How do you currently approach a difficult technical challenge where the solution isn’t immediately obvious, and which part of this framework could you incorporate to improve your process?

Source: https://newsletter.pragmaticengineer.com/p/how-to-get-unstuck-during-coding-interviews