1. Self-Assessment

Before you begin applying, evaluate your skills, interests, and long-term goals. Ask yourself:

• What tech stack am I most comfortable with?
• Do I enjoy backend, frontend, DevOps, data, or product roles?
• Am I seeking startup culture or enterprise structure?

2. Research Companies

Visit company websites, read Glassdoor reviews, and explore employee LinkedIn profiles to understand:

• Tech stack used
• Interview process format
• Company culture and values

3. Resume & Portfolio

Customize your resume for each role. Include relevant keywords and highlight projects that demonstrate your skills. Tips:

• Keep it one page for junior roles
• Include GitHub or project links
• Use action verbs: "Designed", "Built", "Improved"

4. Master Data Structures & Algorithms

Practice coding questions daily using platforms like:

• LeetCode
• HackerRank
• NeetCode

Focus on arrays, strings, recursion, trees, graphs, and dynamic programming.

5. Prepare System Design

For mid/senior roles, practice designing scalable systems:

• Use resources like Grokking the System Design Interview
• Explain trade-offs (e.g., NoSQL vs SQL, Load Balancer, Caching)
• Practice with a whiteboard or digital tools (e.g., Miro)

6. Behavioral Preparation

Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to answer:

• “Tell me about a time you solved a conflict”
• “Describe a failure and how you handled it”
• “What are your strengths and weaknesses?”

7. Practice with Mock Interviews

Simulate real interviews to reduce anxiety:

• Use platforms like Interviewing.io
• Ask a friend or mentor for peer mock rounds
• Record yourself to improve clarity and pacing

8. Post-Interview Follow-up

Send a thank-you email within 24 hours. Keep it polite, grateful, and reaffirm your interest in the role. Example:

"Thank you for the opportunity to discuss the position. I’m excited about the potential to contribute to your team!"