Ace your next technical interview with insights on tackling whiteboard coding challenges effectively. Learn strategies to demonstrate your software engineering skills confidently.

Apply the "Keep It Simple, Stupid" (KISS) principle by choosing straightforward solutions. This showcases your ability to find efficient and maintainable solutions without unnecessary complexity. Sketch the structure of your solution first, outlining function signatures and class definitions if needed. This guides your coding and keeps your presentation organized. Choose data structures that enhance the efficiency of your solution, explaining their suitability to the interviewer. Whether it’s Arrays, Hash Tables, or Trees, each has its benefits depending on the problem.

What do you do if you're asked to write code on a whiteboard during a technical interview?

Facing a whiteboard coding challenge during a technical interview can be daunting. You're in a room, marker in hand, with expectant eyes watching as you're asked to demonstrate your coding prowess. It's a test not just of your technical knowledge but of your ability to think and communicate under pressure. This scenario is common in software engineering interviews and serves as an opportunity for interviewers to assess your problem-solving skills, coding ability, and thought process. It's crucial to approach this challenge with a clear mind and a structured strategy. By understanding the expectations and preparing accordingly, you can turn the whiteboard to your advantage and showcase your skills effectively.

1 Stay Calm

When you're asked to write code on a whiteboard, it's essential to remain calm and collected. Take a deep breath and remember that this is just another problem to solve, much like those you've tackled before. Approach the task methodically: clearly understand the problem, ask any clarifying questions, and outline your thought process before writing any code. This will demonstrate your logical approach and help you organize your thoughts, making the coding part much more manageable.

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2 Clarify Goals

Before diving into the code, make sure you fully understand the problem presented. Don't hesitate to ask the interviewer questions about any ambiguities or specifics of the problem statement. Clarifying the goals upfront can prevent misunderstandings and ensure you're on the right track. It also shows that you pay attention to detail and are committed to finding the best solution rather than just a solution.

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3 Plan First

Planning your solution is crucial before writing any code on the whiteboard. Take a moment to mentally map out your approach, considering different algorithms or data structures that could be effective. Verbalize your thought process to the interviewer, explaining why you're choosing a particular strategy. This planning stage is your opportunity to demonstrate your problem-solving skills and understanding of software engineering principles.

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4 Write Clearly

When it's time to write code, do so clearly and legibly. Use well-known programming conventions and write out the structure of the code first, such as function signatures and class definitions. As you fill in the logic, keep it simple and avoid overly complex or clever solutions that are hard to follow. Your goal is to communicate effectively with your interviewer, not to impress them with complexity.

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Glauco Scheffel

Director of Software Engineering @ Becomex | Software Engineering, Innovation
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Apply the "Keep It Simple, Stupid" (KISS) principle by choosing straightforward solutions. This showcases your ability to find efficient and maintainable solutions without unnecessary complexity. Sketch the structure of your solution first, outlining function signatures and class definitions if needed. This guides your coding and keeps your presentation organized. Choose data structures that enhance the efficiency of your solution, explaining their suitability to the interviewer. Whether it’s Arrays, Hash Tables, or Trees, each has its benefits depending on the problem.

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5 Explain Code

As you write code on the whiteboard, narrate your thought process. Explain why you're implementing a function a certain way or choosing a specific data structure. Discuss potential edge cases and how your code addresses them. This ongoing commentary provides insight into your reasoning and shows that you're not just coding robotically but are actively engaged in crafting a thoughtful solution.

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6 Review Work

Once you've completed writing the code, take a step back and review it as if you were checking someone else's work. Look for syntax errors, logical mistakes, or areas where the code could be more efficient or readable. This review process demonstrates your attention to detail and your commitment to quality, both of which are highly valued in software engineering.

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7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?

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What do you do if you're asked to write code on a whiteboard during a technical interview?

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1 Stay Calm

2 Clarify Goals

3 Plan First

4 Write Clearly

5 Explain Code

6 Review Work

7 Here’s what else to consider

Software Engineering

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