In Defense of Leetcode Interviews

Netflix
benzene

Go to company page Netflix

benzene
Feb 24 52 Comments

Before you start hating, I'm not a fan of Leetcode interviews but I don't think it's entirely bad (for candidates). Here's why:

1. It opens up opportunities regardless of background. In many other high paying careers (wink wink Finance), good luck coming from a no-name school/company and joining a big firm.

2. The formula for success is clearly spelled out. All you need to do is put in the time.

3. It's comparatively affordable and you can do it from anywhere.

4. Debatable, but it teaches discipline and persistence.

5. In my case, algorithmic thinking helps me solve problems better.

6. The ROI is phenomenal. Do the math.

On the other hand, Leetcode might not be the best for companies looking to hire true talent. But for candidates I think it opens up opportunities.

Feel free to dispute in comments

TC > 600k

#Tech #swe #leetcode #faang #interview #snap #airbnb #Microsoft

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TOP 52 Comments
  • Cisco
    floop_doop

    Go to company page Cisco

    floop_doop
    We ain’t concerned with LC right now, Ukraine is under attack
    Feb 24 4
  • Google / Eng
    ufstjvfgk

    Go to company page Google Eng

    ufstjvfgk
    Nice TC, YoE?
    Feb 24 2
  • I have a horrible memory and I take 30 minutes to solve a Leetcode medium.
    I may not be the smartest person, but there has never been a problem i have not been able to solve at work and I have always gotten top performance reviews. That's my personal problem with LC.

    I think resume based i terviews where you talk about your personal experiences and contributions maybe some general concepts questions like design questions are more useful than LC in evaluating a candidate.

    Imo tho, I don't have an answer to measure a candidate's best quality, work ethic. I take pride in my work, that's why I always deliver.
    Feb 24 2
  • Meta
    я

    Go to company page Meta

    я
    big agree

    i went to a shit school and would probably be earning 1/10 my current TC if it wasnt for LC
    Feb 24 0
  • New
    Gringx

    New

    Gringx
    I agree that LC gives people from non-traditional backgrounds, minorities, etc who want to break into the industry a much fairer chance.

    That having been said, once you’re in the industry, it’s the ultimate wage suppression system since you have to effectively do two jobs (grind LC plus actual work) in order to move companies. Anywhere else you just build a solid resume and spend a few days prepping on what to say.
    Feb 24 2
    • Netflix
      benzene

      Go to company page Netflix

      benzene
      OP
      Once you hit staff, LC doesn't matter much.
      Also I still think for the money we make after LC, the grind isn't bad.
      Feb 24
    • Meta
      litoKun

      Go to company page Meta

      litoKun
      Well you still have to do at least one, so it's not like you can go without practice.
      I was not at this level last time I interviewed, but the design interview also felt like a grind of reciting how "I would" design a well known distributed system.
      I wonder if this time I would actually get design questions relevant to what I have built.
      Feb 24