During a live coding interview, you’ll be asked to solve coding problems or write code to implement specific features or algorithms.
The interviewer will give you a problem statement or requirements and ask you to write code to solve it. They may also ask you to explain your thought process as you work through the problem.
Typically, you will work in a shared code editor or on a collaborative coding platform.
A live coding test can sometimes involved pair programming, which adds an additional challenge because it requires you to think and communicate clearly while coding. In this format, you will work on a coding problem with the interviewer. They may ask you to take the lead and drive the solution or to work together to come up with the solution.
<aside> 👋 You can expect to write code in a real-time setting, usually using a shared code editor or a collaborative coding platform. It's important to be able to think and communicate clearly while coding, as well as demonstrate a good understanding of the problem and the best way to approach it.
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Here are some tips that can help you prepare for and succeed in a live coding interview:
Your mindset sets the tone of how you view and shape the situation. Go in with the right mindset and you'll be able to understand and navigate anything that is thrown at you. Remember that it's normal to make mistakes and it's important to stay calm and confident.
Even if you don't get the solution, the interviewer will see how you handle the situation.
The best cure for nerves is practise…
The more coding problems you solve and the more experience you have writing code in a live setting, the better prepared you will be. Check out these resources.
Make sure you fully understand the problem and the requirements. Ask clarifying questions if needed. If you don't understand the problem or what they are asking for, keep asking questions until you do.
Once you think you understand the problem, restate your understanding to the interviewer so they can correct or guide you.
Before you start coding, take a moment to plan out how you will solve the problem. This can help you organise your thoughts and identify potential roadblocks.