Given the recent layoffs, it may not be realistic to expect large companies to resume hiring at the same pace as in 2021. Instead, it might be more practical to consider broader opportunities with middle and small-sized companies, which often have different interview styles than FAANG companies.

The existing interview preparation resources available online are often geared towards FAANG interviews and may no longer be as effective.

Here are some general tips to keep in mind when preparing for interviews with middle and small-sized companies:

Code Development

Some middle and small-sized companies may emphasize code development and require practical exercises, such as integrating a third-party web service using Python. Write a simple web crawler and parse the downloaded raw html files.

During this round, which is often referred to as the coding development round, the grading criteria can be quite comprehensive. Your performance may be evaluated based on your interface design, in-depth understanding of the entire process, and coding proficiency and efficiency.

It's worth noting that more and more companies are shifting towards this type of assessment to gauge candidates' practical coding abilities.

Therefore, it's important to be well-prepared for this type of interview and to hone your coding skills and knowledge of the development process.

Coding Language

Middle and small-sized companies may also have specific requirements for the roles they are hiring for. Unlike large companies, they may prioritize candidates who already have expertise in a particular programming language. Therefore, it’s recommended to practice coding Leetcode questions with different languages.

Interview Ready

Given the increasing competition for fewer job openings, it’s essential to put more effort into interview preparation to ensure career security. Layoffs can happen unexpectedly, so working hard day-to-day is not always enough.

Polish Resume

When job opportunities are scarce, polishing your resume with quantifiable achievements can increase your chances of getting noticed by potential employers.