Book review of Awesome Tech Interviews

by Shalini Goyal (Author) Alok Sharan (Author)

Land your dream tech job with "Awesome Tech Interviews," the ultimate guide to acing system design, behavioral, and data structures & algorithms (DSA) interviews. Written by Shalini Goyal and Alok Sharan, this comprehensive resource equips you with the skills needed for any technical interview, from entry-level to senior roles like Solution Architect or Engineering Manager. Master 200+ DSA problems, learn to design scalable systems, and confidently tackle behavioral questions. 70+ diagrams and 300+ curated resources enhance understanding, while video tutorials provide extra support. Whether you're a software engineer, aspiring student, or hiring manager, this book provides the tools and knowledge to excel in the competitive tech landscape.

Awesome Tech Interviews: An Insider Guide to Ace System Design, Behavioral, & Data Structures and Algorithms Interviews
4.2 / 6 ratings

Review Awesome Tech Interviews

"Awesome Tech Interviews" by Shalini Goyal and Alok Sharan is a comprehensive guide that truly lives up to its name. It’s not just a collection of tips; it’s a structured roadmap designed to help you conquer the often daunting tech interview process. The authors clearly understand the anxieties and challenges faced by candidates, and they've crafted a resource that addresses these concerns head-on.

What struck me most was the book's balanced approach. It doesn't delve too deeply into any single area, preventing information overload, but instead provides a strong foundation across all crucial aspects: system design, behavioral interviews, and data structures and algorithms (DSA). This breadth makes it valuable for a wide range of candidates, from those preparing for their first software engineering role to experienced professionals targeting senior positions.

The system design section is particularly well-structured. It walks you through the process logically, equipping you with the frameworks and vocabulary needed to tackle complex problems. While it might not provide detailed, ready-made solutions for every conceivable scenario (as one reviewer noted), it empowers you with the analytical skills to develop your own. This is crucial; memorizing solutions won't help in a real interview where you'll face novel variations. The inclusion of numerous diagrams is also a significant plus, making complex concepts far easier to grasp.

The behavioral interview section is equally impressive. It doesn't just list desirable traits; it teaches you how to demonstrate them effectively, using the STAR method as a practical framework. This is invaluable, as soft skills are often the differentiator in a competitive field. The examples provided are realistic and insightful, guiding you to craft compelling narratives that highlight your strengths and accomplishments.

Finally, the DSA section is extensive, covering a wide range of problems and providing a valuable framework for effective problem-solving, including valuable advice on time management during the interview. While 200+ practice problems might seem daunting, the book’s structure ensures you don't feel overwhelmed. The curated resource links further enhance this section, providing ample opportunities for additional practice and deeper learning.

One reviewer mentioned the book's lack of detailed HLD/LLD diagrams and schema in the system design section. While I agree that more examples of fully fleshed-out designs would be beneficial, I believe this omission doesn't detract significantly from the book's overall value. The core strength lies in its ability to equip you with the fundamental principles and problem-solving strategies, enabling you to create those detailed diagrams yourself, tailored to the specific challenges presented in an interview.

In conclusion, "Awesome Tech Interviews" is a highly effective resource for anyone navigating the tech interview landscape. Its structured approach, comprehensive coverage, and practical advice make it a valuable addition to any candidate's preparation toolkit. While it might not be the perfect solution for every single detail, its overall value in providing a solid foundation and strategic approach far outweighs any minor shortcomings. I highly recommend this book to anyone looking to improve their interview performance and land their dream tech job.

Information

  • Dimensions: 6 x 0.94 x 9 inches
  • Language: English
  • Print length: 414
  • Publication date: 2024

Book table of contents

  • Introduction
  • Part 1: System Design Interviews
  • Part 2: Behavioral Interviews
  • Part 3: Coding Interviews (Data Structures and Algorithms)
  • Part 4: Resources
  • How to Use This Guide
  • Contacting the Authors
  • Pre-interview Planning
  • Five Key Strategies
  • Create a Detailed Plan.
  • Defining Clear Objectives
  • Creating a Study Plan for Problem Solving
  • Mastering the Programming Language
  • Learning System Design
  • Building the Right Mindset.
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Awesome Tech Interviews: An Insider Guide to Ace System Design, Behavioral, & Data Structures and Algorithms InterviewsAwesome Tech Interviews: An Insider Guide to Ace System Design, Behavioral, & Data Structures and Algorithms InterviewsAwesome Tech Interviews: An Insider Guide to Ace System Design, Behavioral, & Data Structures and Algorithms InterviewsAwesome Tech Interviews: An Insider Guide to Ace System Design, Behavioral, & Data Structures and Algorithms InterviewsAwesome Tech Interviews: An Insider Guide to Ace System Design, Behavioral, & Data Structures and Algorithms InterviewsAwesome Tech Interviews: An Insider Guide to Ace System Design, Behavioral, & Data Structures and Algorithms InterviewsAwesome Tech Interviews: An Insider Guide to Ace System Design, Behavioral, & Data Structures and Algorithms Interviews