Halfway there! The market's scoped out, resumes sent. What's next? Time to gear up for the interview! Interviews come in all shapes and sizes, but they can be categorized and - here's the kicker - you can prep for them so well that surprises are kept to a minimum. That's what this module is all about. We'll dive into the different types of interviews and how to prep for them like a pro, so you can snag that dream offer with flying colors.
The Interview Stages
Every company, and I mean every, has its unique set of interviews, and boy, can they vary! No surprise there: each company tackles specific tasks and uses different tech stacks. Brace yourself: some companies might put you through 5-7 interviews, while others might be cool with just one. In this lecture, we're going to map out the typical obstacle course for MAANG companies.
MAANG stands for five tech giants: Meta (formerly Facebook), Amazon, Apple, Netflix, and Google (part of Alphabet Inc.). These big shots are known for their massive influence in tech, hefty market caps, and cutting-edge business approaches.
Other big companies might have similar hoops to jump through. Smaller or less-known teams often have fewer or more informal interview stages. But here's the deal: ace the MAANG-style interview, and you're set for pretty much any team out there.
So, let's break down this interview obstacle course typical for a MAANG-style grilling.
The "Phone" Rounds:
- Screening Call (Intro call): A meet-and-greet, maybe a quick tech question, and setting up the next interview step.
- Intro Call with HR and Culture Interview: Super important. A savvy HR person figures out if you're a fit for the team and how pumped you are.
- Testing Task: Often a lengthy assignment showcasing your chops as a programmer.
The "Office" Rounds (usually, but not always, in-office):
- Team Chat: You get a sneak peek of the department and key players.
- Technical Interviews: Could be several, with different folks.
- Live Coding: The big, scary monster. Pure stress.
- System Design: Not usually for junior roles.
- Manager Interview: Chatting with your future boss.
- Offer Interview: Talking salary and details.
Remember, these are just rough stages. They could come in a different order, some like live coding might not even happen, or there might be a test task, etc. Next lecture, we'll deep-dive into the super important, often first step - the Culture Interview with HR, and what the intro call is all about.