#051 - Should you grind leetcode? feat. NeetCode

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Apr 29, 2024

Tech content creator NeetCode discusses the pros and cons of grinding LeetCode for FAANG roles, the importance of networking, and standing out in the job market. He also shares advice on transitioning from Amazon to Google, crafting your story for job interviews, and showcasing practical skills through remarkable projects to differentiate oneself in the tech industry.

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INSIGHT

Why LeetCode?

NeetCode chose LeetCode to prepare for interviews because he believed his main hurdle was getting the interview, not passing it.
He later realized that building impressive projects would have been more beneficial for skill development and potentially attracting interviews.

ADVICE

Prioritize Projects

Focus on building impressive, unique projects rather than solely grinding LeetCode.
These projects demonstrate practical skills and make you stand out more effectively.

INSIGHT

LeetCode's Relevance

While NeetCode advocates for projects, he acknowledges LeetCode's importance for big tech interviews.
LeetCode is a straightforward, established path to big tech, despite criticisms.

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In today’s episode, we bring fellow developer and tech content creator NeetCode, to talk about his obstacles and observations on his path in becoming a FAANG engineer, where he shares his struggles and how he started both his tech career and content creation journeys.

Among a variety of other topics, NeetCode shares his advice for anyone that’s open to receiving it, and explains the pros and cons of grinding LeetCode, if it is even worth doing it or not, while also dabbling into why networking is somewhat important and highlights the importance of standing out in today’s job market environment.

Learn back-end development - https://boot.dev

Listen on your favorite podcast player: https://www.backendbanter.fm Neetcode's Website: https://neetcode.io/

Neetcode's Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/c/neetcode

Neetcode's Twitter: https://twitter.com/neetcode1

Neetcode's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/navdeep-singh-3aaa14161/

Timestamps:

00:46 Who is NeetCode and a bit of his background
02:24 Why did NeetCode start a YouTube Channel?
03:40 People don't talk about where they mess up at these big companies
04:47 Portray yourself in the best possible light at interviews
07:37 Why LeetCode?
08:44 Why Grinding LeetCode is not the smartest choice
11:31 Why LeetCode is still important if your goal is a FAANG-level company
14:47 What would be the approach for someone with CS-degree knowledge that wants to get into Google in 2024/2025
17:26 How to know if you're having trouble getting or passing interviews?
19:01 You can put projects on a resume, not LeetCode solutions
21:47 Tutorial Hell
24:47 You have to be able to prove your knowledge, just putting it on the resume isn't enough
29:20 You don't have to do content creation to get a developer job
30:29 Social Media works well for networking
33:03 NeetCode philosophy
37:57 Monetizing education content
42:17 How to level up the product experience
44:04 Amazon vs Google's culture
46:24 As usual, managers don't know what they're doing a lot of the time
49:30 Managers at these companies should be technical
51:17 Difference between Engineers and other Tech Roles
55:40 Where to find NeetCode