My study method for interviews
After facing numerous technical interviews, I've learned something valuable from each one. Although I'm still chasing the perfect interview, I feel I'm getting closer every time. That's why I want to share my study method with you, a strategy that has worked wonders for me, especially when time is tight and you need the information to be burned into your memory.
Step 1: Define the Battlefield (The Technologies)
The first thing is to identify the topics that will likely appear on the test. A key tip: in your first chat with the recruiter, don't hesitate to ask about the format of the technical interview. Sometimes, they'll give you a roadmap with the specific topics.
As a frontend developer, for example, I know that tests can focus on a specific framework (React, Vue, etc.) or be centered purely on the fundamentals: JavaScript, HTML, and CSS. Knowing this beforehand defines your entire plan of attack.
Step 2: Chart Your Knowledge Map
Once you're clear on the technologies, it's time to break them down. What exactly do you need to know about each one? The answer depends on the seniority of the position: a junior role is not the same as a senior one.
This is where your favorite AI becomes your best ally. Give it a prompt like: "What knowledge should a semi-senior frontend developer master in React?". You'll get a detailed list that will be your guide.
Pro-tip: If time allows, also research the topics for the next level of seniority. Studying them will not only prepare you better but will also give you a significant competitive edge.
Step 3: Make the Knowledge Stick (and Use All Your Senses!)
Now, let's get to it: studying.
Create Smart Summaries
It's been proven: the simple act of handwriting what you're studying skyrockets retention. But why stop there? Involving more senses in your learning process creates stronger mental anchors.
You can take it a step further:
- Assign a scent: Use a diffuser with a specific smell, like peppermint, only when you study JavaScript. This makes me wonder, if JavaScript had a scent, what would it be?
- Create a playlist: Choose a type of music (ideally without lyrics) that helps you concentrate and use it exclusively for one technology.
By repeating these conditions, your brain will reinforce the neural connections. Your summary should be precise and brief. It's not an encyclopedia, but your personal "cheat sheet" for quick reviews. The goal is to capture the key points that allow you to recall the entire concept.
To speed things up, I usually use AIs to get the initial information and then dive deeper with courses or YouTube videos when a topic requires it.
Step 4: From Theory to Code (No Shortcuts)
Knowledge that isn't applied is forgotten. If I don't practice, I'm sure I'll forget most of what I learn or won't assimilate it well enough to use it under pressure.
You have two paths for practicing:
- Mini-projects: They bring you closer to a real-world environment, but you run the risk of wasting time configuring environments or solving problems unrelated to your study objective.
- Specific exercises: My preferred method. I use online editors like StackBlitz, which give me a minimalist and distraction-free development environment.
A golden rule at this point: DISABLE code autocompletion. Trust me, it's not the same for the tool to suggest what to write as it is to recall the code from your own memory. If you draw a blank, it's the clearest sign that you need to review that topic.
Step 5: The Final Simulation
To bring it full circle, I go back to the AI chats and ask them to conduct a simulated technical interview for the level and technology I need. In this phase, I confirm whether I've truly assimilated the concepts or if I need to polish some details.
This method has not only allowed me to learn a lot in a short amount of time but has also left me with an arsenal of summaries ready for any future review. I hope it helps you as much as it has helped me!