How to Prepare for an Online Programming Interview?

In recent years, more and more companies are conducting their technical interviews online. This trend has only accelerated with remote work becoming more common. While the core aspects of preparing for a programming interview remain the same, there are additional considerations when the interview is conducted online.

Here are the key things you need to prepare for an online programming interview:

1. Ensure a Good Internet Connection

A stable and fast internet connection is crucial. You don't want to lose connection in the middle of solving a problem or have lag while explaining your solution. Test your connection beforehand and have a backup plan (like a mobile hotspot) just in case.

2. Find a Quiet Environment

Choose a quiet place where you won't be disturbed. Background noise can be very distracting both for you and the interviewer. Make sure your family or roommates know not to interrupt you during the interview time.

3. Prepare Your Computer

Before the interview:

• Close unnecessary applications to free up system resources
• Disable notifications that might pop up during the interview
• Make sure your camera and microphone are working properly
• Test the specific platform the company will use (like Zoom, Google Meet, or CoderPad)
• Have your IDE or text editor ready if you'll be coding in your own environment
• Restart your computer (personal experience - I once had a problem with my computer and it was a nightmare to fix)

4. Set Up Your Coding Environment

Many companies use online coding platforms like:

• CoderPad
• HackerRank
• LeetCode
• CodeSignal

Familiarize yourself with these platforms beforehand. Practice coding in a similar environment so you're comfortable with:

• The editor's interface
• Keyboard shortcuts
• How to run and test your code
• Available debugging tools

5. Bring Your Own Pen and Paper

Sometimes during the interviews, you will be asked to design a system or create an architectural diagram of some sort. Traditionally this is done using a whiteboard and a pen in an office setting. Since you're not in the office anymore, you'll need to adapt.

A simple solution is to draw the diagram using pen and paper, then either send a picture or show it through your video camera. This is often much easier than trying to use a mouse or touchpad to draw diagrams.

6. Ask About Using Google

The benefit of seeing a candidate solving tasks on a real PC, instead of on a whiteboard, is that the interviewer can observe your actual workflow. They can see which tools you use, how you solve problems, and whether you write tests.

One of the most important tools for any programmer is (drum roll) Google. It's a crucial part of day-to-day development work, so don't be shy about asking if you can use it during the interview. The same goes for Stack Overflow, MSDN, or any other documentation.

Simply ask upfront - in the worst case, they'll say it's not allowed.

7. Position Your Camera Well

Ensure your camera is at eye level and you're well-lit. The interviewer should be able to see your face clearly. This helps create a more personal connection, even though you're meeting virtually.

8. Have Water, Coffeeand Notes Ready

Keep a glass of water nearby and any notes you might want to reference (if allowed by the interviewer). While you probably won't need them, having them ready can help you feel more prepared and confident.

Two cups of coffee, one laptop, sounds about right

9. Join Early

Log in to the interview platform 5-10 minutes early. This gives you time to:

• Test your audio and video
• Ensure all technical aspects are working
• Collect your thoughts
• Appear punctual and professional

10. Practice Online Interviews

Just like you practice coding problems, practice doing them in an online environment:

• Use platforms like Pramp for mock interviews
• Record yourself solving problems while talking
• Practice typing and explaining simultaneously
• Get comfortable with online whiteboarding tools

Final Tips

• Have a backup plan for technical issues
• Keep your phone charged and ready as a backup communication method
• Test your setup the day before
• Get a good night's sleep
• Stay calm if technical issues arise - it's usually not held against you

Remember, while the online format might feel different, the core of the interview remains the same: demonstrating your problem-solving skills and ability to write clean, efficient code.

Image Credits:

• Cover image by Jason Rosewell on Unsplash
• Laptop and coffee image by Tyler Nix on Unsplash