Stage 1 · Code
Mock Interviews & Strategy
Mock Interview — Easy to Medium
Self-practice problems with hints only. No full solutions — the goal is to simulate real interview conditions while having a safety net when you get stuck.
How to Practice
Treat each problem as a 25-minute mock interview block. Set a timer. Start by clarifying the problem out loud (even alone). Write your approach on paper or a whiteboard. Code in your preferred language. Then walk through your solution with the example input.
- If stuck > 5 min: read the first hint. If still stuck after 3 more minutes, read the second hint.
- If you finish early: analyze time and space complexity. Check edge cases (empty input, single element, duplicates, negatives, overflow).
- After solving: reflect. What pattern was this? Could you solve it with a different approach? What was the key insight?
Stand up and walk to a whiteboard (or use a tablet). Don't type until you've written the approach by hand first. The physical act of writing activates different cognitive pathways and better simulates the interview environment.
Warm-up (Easy)
These should take 10-15 minutes each. Use them to build confidence and reinforce fundamentals.
Core (Medium)
These are the most common interview difficulty. Aim for 20-25 minutes each. Focus on clean code and clear communication.
Mixed Drills
These problems mix multiple patterns. Try to identify which pattern applies before coding.
Key Points
- Simulate real conditions: timer, whiteboard, verbal narration.
- Use hints as a safety net, not a crutch. Try to solve without them first.
- After each problem, write down what pattern it was and why. Build a mental index.
- Focus on the Medium problems — they're the most common interview difficulty.
- Revisit problems you struggled with after 48 hours. Spaced repetition is critical.
Mark this lesson complete to store local progress and unlock a cleaner resume path the next time you visit.