The 6-Step Interview Process

A structured approach to every coding interview question.

1. LISTEN & RESTATE (60s)

   Repeat the problem in your words. "So I need a function that takes X, returns Y — correct?"

2. CLARIFY (2-3 min)

   Ask targeted questions that change the design: input size? duplicates? sync or async?

3. SKETCH (3-5 min)

   BEFORE TYPING CODE. Write function signatures. State data structure and why. Mention complexity.

4. IMPLEMENT (15-25 min)

   Top-down. Skeleton first, then fill in. Narrate as you type.

5. TEST (3-5 min)

   Walk through one happy path + one edge case. Run it or trace it mentally.

6. DISCUSS EXTENSIONS (5 min)

   "Given more time I'd add concurrency control / metrics / persistence."