Suggested Interview Format
Interview consistency is a key part of conducting unbiased interviews and ensuring a positive candidate experience. Below is a suggested interview structure for the interviewers’ reference.
1. Opening
- Introductions: Introduce yourself and explain the purpose of the live coding session.
- Interview Layout: Share the timing for each section of the interview
- Share Expectations: Set up your candidate for success by clearly stating expectations.
- Mention that you'll observe their thought process, communication, and coding skills.
- Ask them to explain their thought process out loud as they analyze the problem and devise a solution.
2. Coding Session
- Present each problem statement clearly and concisely. Provide any necessary context or constraints and ask if the candidate has any questions or needs clarification.
- Ask the candidate how they plan to tackle the problem.
- Encourage the candidate to discuss edge cases, potential pitfalls, and any assumptions.
- Observe their coding style, readability, and problem-solving skills.
- Once the solution is complete (or time is up), discuss the overall approach, design decisions, and tradeoffs.
- Closing
- Ask the candidate if they have any questions.
- Thank them for their time and participation.