Real lessons from building Hello Interview with a 3-person team. Managing LLM sprawl, microservices, type-safety, and the tradeoffs that actually matter.

OpenAI is one of the companies that has made a deliberate shift away from standard LeetCode-style questions. Learn what real candidates faced: practical problems, production-quality expectations, and the questions you need to prepare for.

Meta is actively piloting a new interview type called AI-enabled coding. In this blog we breakdown everything we know about the new format so you can be better prepared.

Practical tactics for surviving ego-driven or inexperienced interviewers so you can keep the process on track.

A former FAANG interviewer reveals what actually happens behind the scenes after your interview ends - from feedback forms to hiring committees to the final decision.

How to navigate team match interviews and make sure you get the offer you want.

Patterns are the unit of leverage in system design interviews. Learning the top 7 equip candidates with the skills to solve most system design problem.

The classic database interview question has evolved. Learn how to navigate SQL vs NoSQL discussions with modern context, avoiding outdated talking points while demonstrating real understanding of database tradeoffs.

When to Use Event Driven Architecture In System Design Interviews and when not to.

How to Ramp Up Like a Pro: Your First 90 Days Matter More Than You Think

Navigate the evolving tech landscape between AI startups and Big Tech companies. Compare compensation structures, growth opportunities, and risk factors to make an informed career choice. Learn how to evaluate offers beyond surface metrics, ask the right questions in interviews, and create a decision framework aligned with your long-term goals. Essential guidance for engineers weighing startup potential against Big Tech stability in today's market.

Mastering the neglected interview type. A Guide for SWEs and Engineering Managers

A step-by-step guide to mastering system design interviews—from fundamentals to building patterns—by a former FAANG interviewer.

Learn from Netflix's real-world engineering challenge: building ad tracking for 270+ million global viewers. Discover four key system design lessons on starting simple, using indirection, unifying data collection, and building specialized components with common foundations.

Netflix's counter abstraction spans fast regional counters, eventually consistent global counters, and accurate global reads—three models to discuss in system design interviews.

As interviewers, we can tell when you've memorized something. Trust me.

Show off deeper system design skills with three underused networking techniques: client-side load balancing, Server-Sent Events, and circuit breakers.

Learn why over-engineering in system design interviews leads to down-leveling and how to avoid this common mistake. Discover strategies for simplifying your designs, researching technology downsides, and demonstrating the depth of knowledge that senior engineers expect.

Keys to success in system design interviews at the staff level from a senior manager.

An insider's perspective on Google's interview process, written by a current Google Sr. Manager and Hello Interview coach.

Explore the key differences between System and Product Architecture interviews at Meta, and learn which type aligns best with your skills as a SWE candidate. Dive into detailed comparisons, preparation strategies, and expert insights to confidently choose and excel in the interview that suits your strengths. This guide is crafted by a former Staff Engineer at Meta and co-founder of Hello Interview, leveraging vast interviewing experience to boost your on-site interview success.

Optimize your preparation for Meta's Product Architecture interview with our expert guide by Evan, co-founder of Hello Interview and former Staff Engineer at Meta. Discover the best strategies and frameworks to tackle user-facing system design tasks, essential for Product Software Engineers. Learn to solve complex architecture challenges using common AWS components and gain insights into 10 critical problem categories to ensure a well-rounded understanding. Dive into our detailed guide, which includes step-by-step processes, mock interview opportunities, and strategic advice from industry veterans to help you ace your Meta Product Architecture interview.

Prepare for Meta's People Management interview, a crucial 45-minute session aimed at assessing your ability to manage and support a team effectively. This interview delves into your past behaviors, actions, and decisions in people management to predict your future performance. Expect a blend of broad questions and deep dives, focusing on real-life examples from your experience to gauge your expertise and approach in handling diverse management challenges. From evaluating your response to underperformance and conflict resolution to mentoring and growth support, learn how to showcase your skills in performance management, growth mentorship, recruiting, and cross-functional collaboration. Get insights into the interview's structure, example questions, and evaluation criteria, helping you understand what Meta looks for in successful managers.

Learn key strategies for aligning with Meta's leadership philosophies, understand the unique roles of Org Leader and TLM tracks, and navigate Meta's culture effectively. This guide provides essential tips for presenting yourself authentically, leveraging your technical management experience, and demonstrating your value as a potential Meta leader. Perfect for candidates seeking to understand Meta's management culture, interview expectations, and to gain an edge in their career progression.

Mastering System Design Interviews: Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them - This insightful blog post delves into the crucial first steps of system design interviews, focusing on gathering and prioritizing requirements. It highlights the top five mistakes candidates make, from overlooking problem exploration and non-functional requirements to ignoring scalability. The post provides practical strategies for a balanced approach to requirement gathering and design execution, essential for success in system design interviews. Whether you're a mid-level or senior engineer, this article offers valuable guidance to improve your interview performance, emphasizing the importance of a clear, structured approach and effective communication skills in system design

Gain insights on system design interview preparation for SWE candidates at different career levels, from a former Meta engineer's experience. Understand the key differences in breadth, depth, and proactiveness required in software engineer interviews and learn effective strategies for each stage, enhancing your interview skills and success.

Enhance your system design interview skills with essential back-of-the-envelope estimation techniques. This guide, crafted by a Hello Interview co-founder, provides invaluable insights into mastering quick, effective estimations in software engineering interviews. Discover why these skills are vital for demonstrating problem-solving abilities and informed decision-making in system design, and learn practical strategies to develop and showcase your estimation prowess, distinguishing you as a knowledgeable and agile engineer.

Explore software engineer career paths at FAANG companies with this guide detailing job levels, salaries, years of experience (YoE), and advancement options. Gain insights into unique terminologies, terminal levels, and the choice between Manager and Individual Contributor tracks, essential for informed career planning in the tech industry.

Master storytelling in FAANG interviews with insights from a former Meta interviewer. Learn how to effectively narrate your experiences and showcase your skills for senior roles in tech. This guide covers the STAR method for structured storytelling, emphasizing character and cultural fit, and offers tips for precision and brevity in high-pressure interview settings. Discover how to align your stories with specific job levels at FAANG companies, using tools like Story Builder and AI mock interviews for practice. Perfect for candidates aiming to excel in behavioral interviews at major tech firms.

Uncover the step-by-step process of applying for a software engineering (SWE) position at Meta with this comprehensive guide. Learn about each phase from resume screening to the full loop of interviews, including technical and behavioral assessments. Understand the importance of each stage and get tips on preparing effectively with resources like AI simulations and mock interviews with experienced professionals. Ideal for aspiring candidates seeking a clear roadmap to succeed in Meta's rigorous interview process.

Discover alternative software engineer interview experiences at 20 top US-based tech companies, where the focus shifts from LeetCode-style challenges to practical coding skills, take-home projects, and in-depth technical discussions. This guide is ideal for candidates exploring varied interview processes at companies like Slack, Stripe, Lyft, Glassdoor, and more, seeking a comprehensive understanding of different interviewing styles in the tech industry.

Learn why mock interviews are crucial for your success, how they boost confidence, and where to find the best mock interview partners and questions. Discover the types of questions to expect, tips for giving and receiving feedback, and the transformative power of mock interviews in enhancing your interview performance. Whether you're a seasoned engineer or just starting out, our blog provides essential insights and practical advice for mastering the art of the software engineering interview. Prepare to impress with Hello Interview's expert strategies and AI-guided mock interviews.

Learn about active listening, understanding verbal and non-verbal cues, and effective communication techniques to impress your interviewer. Explore how soft skills like problem-solving, teamwork, emotional intelligence, and adaptability are crucial not only in acing your interview but also in thriving in your software engineering career. Enhance your interview performance and professional growth by embracing the importance of soft skills, the often-overlooked aspects that can determine your success in the tech industry.

Discover how to efficiently prepare in four key areas: coding, behavioral interviewing, system design, and company-specific prep. Learn the importance of balancing technical skills with storytelling in behavioral interviews, mastering system design through problem decomposition, and tailoring your preparation to the company's culture and requirements. Equip yourself with strategies to avoid over-preparation and focus on what truly matters. Enhance your interview readiness and stand out in the competitive market with Hello Interview's targeted preparation tools.

Discover the importance of tailoring responses to the specific level you're interviewing for, from new grads to staff/principal engineers. Learn how to showcase your conflict resolution, navigating ambiguity, driving results, and continuous growth skills with level-specific examples. Utilize Hello Interview's unique tools like Story Builder for crafting perfect responses and take advantage of AI-driven and expert mock interviews. Prepare to impress at every career level with our comprehensive guide, designed to help you stand out in the competitive FAANG interview process.