In an ideal world, candidates would be tested by doing the job they are applying for. While a handful of software companies are starting to experiment with this, the traditional whiteboard interview doesn’t appear to be going away any time soon.
Why Whiteboard Interviews
A lot of the whiteboard interview’s popularity stems from the perspective that data structures and algorithms represent a common language of software. Data structures are language-agnostic, taught in all computer science courses across the nation, and useful for solving the kinds of problems a developer might see.
For those from non-traditional backgrounds, this poses a big problem: the language of computer science can be intimidating at best, and is often downright mystifying.
The good news is that, like any other skill, whiteboard interviews just take some practice. Out of everything taught in university computer science programs, there is a key subset that reliably turns up in interviews. And some focused training can have coders from any background wielding data structures like a favorite cooking utensil.
Code 501: Master Data Structures & Algorithms
That’s why Code Fellows is now offering an intensive course on data structures and algorithms, in partnership with Vishal Chowdhary, Principal Development Manager at Microsoft Research.
If you are a junior developer who hasn’t yet passed a technical interview, or a senior developer thinking about changing jobs (and need a brush up), then you are five intense days away from having all the skills you need to pass a tech screen with flying colors.
In addition to the standard data structures, we’ll cover the mechanics of white boarding and give you mentoring and feedback on how to succeed when you are pursuing that job you don’t want to lose. You’ll come away with new mental tools and models for approaching problems, and a foundation upon which you’ll build new algorithmic approaches throughout your career.
Ready to take the plunge? Learn More & Register »
