Solving problems under observation.
WHAT THEY TYPICALLY INVOLVE
A problem to solve, with someone watching.
WHAT IS BEING ASSESSED
Approach, communication and correctness, roughly in that order.
WHAT TO DO FIRST
Understand the problem.
HOW
Restate it, and ask about edge cases and constraints.
WHY THAT MATTERS
Solving the wrong problem is the commonest failure.
WHAT TO DO SECOND
Describe your approach before writing anything.
WHY
It lets the interviewer redirect you early.
WHAT TO DO THIRD
Write a working solution, however simple.
WHY SIMPLE FIRST
A working simple solution beats an unfinished clever one.
WHAT TO DO FOURTH
Test it, aloud, with examples including edge cases.
WHAT TO DO FIFTH
Discuss improvements.
WHAT TO PRACTISE
Problems of the kind the company asks.
HOW TO KNOW
Ask, or read accounts from candidates.
WHAT TO AVOID
Memorising solutions Silent working Arguing with the interviewer
WHAT TO DO IF YOU HAVE SEEN THE PROBLEM
Say so.
WHY
It is discovered, and honesty is assessed favourably.
WHAT TO DO ABOUT NERVES
Accept them, and slow down.
WHAT INTERVIEWERS FORGIVE
Small errors, and needing hints.
WHAT THEY DO NOT
Not communicating.
