Mock Software Interview Package

2024/01/06 Update: The service is no more offered as a separate service. You can still book my time and ask me questions related to Software Interviews though. Check Services page if you’re interested.


(Disclosure: links marked with an asterisk * are affiliate links)

Do you want to improve your odds of getting a job as a Software Engineer at a tech giant like Amazon, Apple, Microsoft, Google, Facebook, or at a cool startup?

Do you want to check your interviewing skills and get honest feedback on your performance and some guidance?

Mr. RIP is here for you πŸ™‚

What is the Mock Software Interview Package?

The package consists of a 90 minutes video call with me, Mr. RIP, organized as follows:

  • 45 minutes Tech Interview. We will pretend to be having a real tech interview where I am your interviewer. This usually means solving one or two software engineering problems with follow-up questions. You will have to write code in your most familiar coding language, and think out loud while solving the coding problems.
  • 15-30 minutes Interview Feedback. I will disclose my interview feedback with you at the end of the interview: what you did well, what you did wrong, what will be my hiring recommendation.
  • 15-30 minutes Application Strategy. When we’re done with the feedback, I’ll tell you what I think you should improve in both the technical and the behavioral field. I’ll ask you other questions and probe your knowledge in technical aspects we didn’t cover with the Tech Interview. I’ll point you toward useful online resources to better improve your chances of passing a real interview.
  • 5-10 minutes CV Clinic: I will take a look at your CV and offer my feedback.
  • Resources: after we’ve done, I’ll send you a email with a list of 5-10 extra coding interview questions to practice with.
  • Connections: if we think you’re ready to send your application to your favorite company, there is some chance I can introduce you to someone working there.

How much does it cost?

Check Services page. Of course you’d need a 90 minute session.

Mr. RIP’s credentials for this Offering

Yeah, cool… but who the heck are you, Mr. RIP? Why should I pay you for such a service?

Good point πŸ™‚

Few facts about me:

  • I started coding in 1984, at the age of 9, on a Commodore64 computer.
  • I obtained a Master Degree in Software Engineering in 2003.
  • I accumulated 18 years of professional experience as a Software Engineer in various fields: Videogame Development, R&D Freelance Consulting, Teaching, Tech Giant, and cutting edge Machine Learning Research.
  • I’ve built my wealth mostly thanks to my Software Engineering skills (plus investing & frugality).
  • During my 7.5 years at Google I’ve interviewed almost 100 candidates. The correlation between my interviews feedback and final hiring decisions was very high (can’t back this claim with data though). It’s probably been the aspect of the job that I liked the most in my last 3 years there!

This slideshow requires JavaScript.

Check the About Me page or My Story post series (Hooli = Google) for more info about me, Mr. RIP.

F.A.Q.

I have a company and I heard you’re interviewing people… can we partner up?

Sure, contact me πŸ˜‰

I love win-win-win scenarios!

What are the alternatives available online for a similar service?

I’ve found few platforms that offer a similar service:

  • Tech Mock Interview: ~$100 for a 60 min interview with professionals working in tech companies (they do verify that). I’ve not seen many interviewers though.
  • interviewing.io: young service that lets you watch mock interviews (free), try mock interviews with other users (free), practice with real anonymous interviews ($100-200) that could eventually land you an onsite interview skipping the first stages of the application phase. Very interesting!
  • Pramp: a free peer to peer interviewing practice platform (not with professionals).
  • Interview Buddy: Very cheap interview practice with industry experts from India. It costs below $20 for a single interview, and below $14 (!!) for a package of 3 interviews (25-30 min) with feedback.
  • AlgoExpert: a SaaS platform for interview practice and possible 1:1 mocks. Very Good!
  • PracticeInterviews: an ex Googler who gives away a lot of interviewing tips and who offers expensive but with guaranteed (by him) results Salary Negotiation coaching sessions.
  • Coding Interview University: to-do list of study topics for becoming a software engineer. Amazing! Strongly recommended!

You’re welcome!

Should anyone book a meeting with you?

Absolutely NOT!

This isn’t an interview training, or a coding class. This is a deep personal evaluation of your chances to pass a tech interview. Book a meeting only if you’ve already done at least 90% of the homework required to get the job.

For example, the package is good for you if:

  • You’re approaching graduation and want to get a prestigious internship at a large tech company.
  • You want to apply for full time positions in prestigious tech companies or startups, you’ve already prepared for technical interviews, and you want to test your skill level before applying.
  • You applied for a full time position in your favorite company, and they scheduled your interviews in two weeks and you’re freaking out! You want to maximize the chances of passing the interview.
  • You’ve tried one or more times to pass a tech interview but failed, and you want to know why.

I think you got the idea.

What should I expect from the mock interview?

A as-close-as-possible real tech interview (coding, problem solving, system design), with a full disclosure of the interviewer feedback, and a strategic plan to maximize the odds of passing the real interview.

I’m not promising you’ll get a job.

I’m not promising you’ll become a better Software Engineer.

I would like to have a mock Machine Learning Interview, should I book?

Think twice.

I don’t have the skills to interview you for a Machine Learning Engineer role, so I will conduct a Software Engineer interview anyway.

As far as I know, unless you’re a senior ML expert applying for a senior position, your interviewing process will be centered around problem solving, coding, system design anyway.

Apply only if you want to have your Software Engineering skills tested.

What did you learn from almost 100 Tech Interviews at Google?

I wrote a post about it,Β check it outΒ πŸ™‚

Any general recommendation for someone who’s not ready yet?

I wrote a post about it, check it out πŸ™‚

Also take a look at this resource collections, with books, courses, websites… it’s the most complete I’ve found on the internet.

Finally, I’m offering a Career Development Coaching service if you’re interested πŸ˜‰

If you think you’re ready… check the Services page