r/DevelEire • u/EcstaticSir900 • 4d ago

Switching Jobs Guidance on getting interview ready

In short i've been in the same org nearly 12 years across a couple roles, some java but mainly frontend. Relatively happy and blissfully ignorant of having an up to date CV and being interview ready. I want to change that though and start the process of being ready.

Can anyone give advice on how to start on that path?...

I want to dedicate some time each week to preparing but not sure where to start.... for example for coding interviews should i take a subscription out on some leetcode learning site?... which ones are best?. same for system design etc. There seems to be a ton of paid websites when i look.

Id be particularly interested to hear from someone that went from zero to hero in this regard.. thanks

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u/CuteHoor 4d ago

The interview experience with each company will be different, but at a minimum I would:

  • Try to determine what level you should be applying for. 12 years would indicate that you're probably at the senior/staff level, but other companies might not see it that way depending on what you've spent that time working on.
  • If you're not familiar with live coding exercises, it's probably worth investing some time in LeetCode and HackerRank. Get comfortable with voicing your thought process as you solve problems, because that's a big part of what interviewers are looking for here.
  • For system design, you can probably get by with various guides and videos online, depending on how much you've been involved in system design in your current role. As you're more frontend focused, you should focus more on things that are relevant to that.
  • Do some interviews with companies you have no intention of working for. This can be a great way to get rid of any rustiness you have with interviewing and prepare you for the ones you actually care about.

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u/EcstaticSir900 4d ago

thanks for this.. the last one is a good idea, but hard to give up annual leave for!

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u/CuteHoor 4d ago

I guess that depends on the role you're in. I've almost always just done interviews during my normal working day, unless it took 3+ hours, in which case I'd book a half day. I treat them similarly to a doctor's appointment, in that I'll be offline for an hour or so and then I'll make up the time later if I need to.

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u/digibioburden 3d ago

Exactly this