Tech Interview Prep Guide 2026: Coding, System Design & Behavioral
Tech Interview Prep
Tech interviews test coding ability, system design, and communication. Preparation is key.
Coding Interviews
Practice on LeetCode (aim for 200+ problems). Focus on patterns: arrays, strings, trees, graphs, dynamic programming. Understand time/space complexity. Verbalize your thinking.
System Design
Study distributed systems fundamentals. Practice designing: URL shortener, chat system, news feed, payment system. Cover: requirements, architecture, scaling, trade-offs. Resources: System Design Interview by Alex Xu.
Behavioral Questions
Use STAR method. Prepare 5-7 stories about: conflict resolution, leadership, failure and learning, technical challenges, teamwork. Practice out loud.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long should I prepare for tech interviews?
2-3 months of consistent daily practice (1-2 hours) is ideal for coding interviews. System design prep starts 1-2 months before senior+ interviews.