Python Interview with a FAANG engineer.

Python Interview with a FAANG Engineer

Interview Summary

Problem type: Unique Shapes in a Matrix

Interview question:

Given an array of unique non-negative integers, find the smallest non-negative integer not present in the array.
Given a root TreeNode, verify if a binary tree is a Binary Search Tree.

Interview Feedback

Feedback about Laser Rabbit (the interviewee) Advance this person to the next round? No
How were their technical skills? 1/4
How was their problem-solving ability? 2/4
What about their communication ability? 3/4

Strengths

Candidate asked about requirements

Was able to break problems down into smaller chunks

Was able to take hints in questions and develop on them

Was able to code things with minimal help

Had rudimentary understanding of space and time complexities

Areas of Improvements

Knowledge gap in fundamental topics

Didn't cover edge cases in most questions

Needed hints in a number of cases

Advice for Future Interviews

Go through main data structures - stacks, queues, deque, etc.

Cover main algorithms - Binary Search, Trees, Dynamic Programming, etc.

Gain a better understanding of space and time complexity

Interview Transcript

Digital Avenger: Yeah. Okay, so before we get started, I'll ask one or two questions. That sort of helps me calibrate the interview a little bit better. Is that okay?
Laser Rabbit: Sure.
Digital Avenger: One thing. Is there anything specific that you're looking for?
Laser Rabbit: Not really. So I'm about to start the process of hunting for jobs.
Digital Avenger: Okay. Yeah, so we'll get started. First of all, any specific language you have a preference for?
Laser Rabbit: I'll do this in Python.
Digital Avenger: Okay. Python. Python three. I've selected Python for you.

Interview Question:

Unique Shapes in a Matrix: A role of breaking down a 2D array to determine unique shapes.
Smallest Missing Number: An approach to find the smallest non-negative integer not present in a sorted array.

Feedback about Digital Avenger (the interviewer)

Would you want to work with this person? Yes
How excited would you be to work with them? 4/4
How good were the questions? 4/4
How helpful was your interviewer in guiding you to the solution(s)? 4/4

“All good thank you!”

Key Points from the Interview

The interview highlighted strengths in candidate engagement and the ability to think through problems.
Candidate demonstrated challenges in covering edge cases and gaps in fundamental knowledge across data structures and algorithms.
Recommended studying more on binary search, trees, dynamic programming, and common algorithms and data structures.

Conclusion

This interview experience showcased the importance of preparatory knowledge in core computer science concepts and the practical application of coding in interviews. Special attention should be given to revisiting fundamental topics to enhance problem-solving skills and confidence.