Kafka vs RabbitMQ: How to know which one to use
Kafka and RabbitMQ solve different problems. One is a message broker, the other is a distributed log. Here's how to decide which one your system actually needs.
LinkedIn's AI-Enabled Coding Interview: How to PrepareLinkedIn runs an AI-enabled coding round in their onsite loop using CoderPad. The problems are familiar but the follow-ups on concurrency and production-readiness are where the real evaluation happens.
Shopify's AI Coding Interview: How to PrepareShopify runs two AI coding rounds where you bring your own IDE and build from an empty repo. Here's everything we've learned from candidates about the format, the problems, and how to prepare.
Meta's AI-Enabled Coding Interview: How to PrepareMeta is actively piloting a new interview type called AI-enabled coding. In this blog we breakdown everything we know about the new format so you can be better prepared.
How to Prepare for a Low-Level Design InterviewA step-by-step guide to mastering low-level design interviews—from principles to patterns to practice problems—by a former FAANG interviewer.
14 Lessons from Building Hello InterviewReal lessons from building Hello Interview with a 3-person team. Managing LLM sprawl, microservices, type-safety, and the tradeoffs that actually matter.
OpenAI Coding Interviews 2025: Real Questions from Real CandidatesOpenAI is one of the companies that has made a deliberate shift away from standard LeetCode-style questions. Learn what real candidates faced: practical problems, production-quality expectations, and the questions you need to prepare for.
How to Handle Bad InterviewersPractical tactics for surviving ego-driven or inexperienced interviewers so you can keep the process on track.
What Happens After the Interview?A former FAANG interviewer reveals what actually happens behind the scenes after your interview ends - from feedback forms to hiring committees to the final decision.
Team Match Survival GuideHow to navigate team match interviews and make sure you get the offer you want.
The 7 Must Know Patterns for System Design InterviewsPatterns are the unit of leverage in system design interviews. Learning the top 7 equip candidates with the skills to solve most system design problem.
SQL vs NoSQL: How to Answer This Interview Question in 2025The classic database interview question has evolved. Learn how to navigate SQL vs NoSQL discussions with modern context, avoiding outdated talking points while demonstrating real understanding of database tradeoffs.
When to Use Event Driven Architecture In System Design InterviewsWhen to Use Event Driven Architecture In System Design Interviews and when not to.
How to Ramp Up Like a Pro: Your First 90 Days Matter More Than You ThinkHow to Ramp Up Like a Pro: Your First 90 Days Matter More Than You Think
"Should I join a start up or Big Tech?"Navigate the evolving tech landscape between AI startups and Big Tech companies. Compare compensation structures, growth opportunities, and risk factors to make an informed career choice. Learn how to evaluate offers beyond surface metrics, ask the right questions in interviews, and create a decision framework aligned 
How Behavioral Interviews Really WorkMastering the neglected interview type. A Guide for SWEs and Engineering Managers
How I'd Prepare for a System Design Interview if I Were Starting From ScratchA step-by-step guide to mastering system design interviews—from fundamentals to building patterns—by a former FAANG interviewer.
System Design Trackers from Netflix's Ad Tracking LaunchLearn from Netflix's real-world engineering challenge: building ad tracking for 270+ million global viewers. Discover four key system design lessons on starting simple, using indirection, unifying data collection, and building specialized components with common foundations.
Counting Events at Scale: Netflix's Counter AbstractionNetflix's counter abstraction spans fast regional counters, eventually consistent global counters, and accurate global reads—three models to discuss in system design interviews.
Stop memorizing, start pattern matchingAs interviewers, we can tell when you've memorized something. Trust me.
3 Networking Tricks to Level-Up Your System Design InterviewShow off deeper system design skills with three underused networking techniques: client-side load balancing, Server-Sent Events, and circuit breakers.
Over-engineering is getting you down-levelledLearn why over-engineering in system design interviews leads to down-leveling and how to avoid this common mistake. Discover strategies for simplifying your designs, researching technology downsides, and demonstrating the depth of knowledge that senior engineers expect.
5 Keys to Staff-Level System Design InterviewsKeys to success in system design interviews at the staff level from a senior manager.
Google Interview Process: A Comprehensive Insider's GuideAn insider's perspective on Google's interview process, written by a current Google Sr. Manager and Hello Interview coach.
Understanding the Differences between Meta's SWE Product Architecture and System Design InterviewsExplore the key differences between System and Product Architecture interviews at Meta, and learn which type aligns best with your skills as a SWE candidate. Dive into detailed comparisons, preparation strategies, and expert insights to confidently choose and excel in the interview that suits your strengths. This guide
Meta's Product Architecture Interview: How to PrepareOptimize your preparation for Meta's Product Architecture interview with our expert guide by Evan, co-founder of Hello Interview and former Staff Engineer at Meta. Discover the best strategies and frameworks to tackle user-facing system design tasks, essential for Product Software Engineers. Learn to solve complex arch
Meta People Management Interviews Explained by a Former Meta InterviewerPrepare for Meta's People Management interview, a crucial 45-minute session aimed at assessing your ability to manage and support a team effectively. This interview delves into your past behaviors, actions, and decisions in people management to predict your future performance. Expect a blend of broad questions and deep
Tips for Meta EM InterviewsLearn key strategies for aligning with Meta's leadership philosophies, understand the unique roles of Org Leader and TLM tracks, and navigate Meta's culture effectively. This guide provides essential tips for presenting yourself authentically, leveraging your technical management experience, and demonstrating your valu
System Design Requirements GatheringMastering System Design Interviews: Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them - This insightful blog post delves into the crucial first steps of system design interviews, focusing on gathering and prioritizing requirements. It highlights the top five mistakes candidates make, from overlooking problem exploration and non-fu
The System Design Interview: What is Expected at Each LevelGain insights on system design interview preparation for SWE candidates at different career levels, from a former Meta engineer's experience. Understand the key differences in breadth, depth, and proactiveness required in software engineer interviews and learn effective strategies for each stage, enhancing your intervi
System Design Interview Fundamentals: Mastering EstimationEnhance your system design interview skills with essential back-of-the-envelope estimation techniques. This guide, crafted by a Hello Interview co-founder, provides invaluable insights into mastering quick, effective estimations in software engineering interviews. Discover why these skills are vital for demonstrating p
Understanding Job Levels at FAANG CompaniesExplore software engineer career paths at FAANG companies with this guide detailing job levels, salaries, years of experience (YoE), and advancement options. Gain insights into unique terminologies, terminal levels, and the choice between Manager and Individual Contributor tracks, essential for informed career planning
Story Crafting 101: Constructing Engaging Behavioral Interview StoriesMaster storytelling in FAANG interviews with insights from a former Meta interviewer. Learn how to effectively narrate your experiences and showcase your skills for senior roles in tech. This guide covers the STAR method for structured storytelling, emphasizing character and cultural fit, and offers tips for precision 
SWE Interviews at Meta Explained by Former Meta InterviewerUncover the step-by-step process of applying for a software engineering (SWE) position at Meta with this comprehensive guide. Learn about each phase from resume screening to the full loop of interviews, including technical and behavioral assessments. Understand the importance of each stage and get tips on preparing eff
The Top 20 Companies Hiring Without LeetCode-Style QuestionDiscover alternative software engineer interview experiences at 20 top US-based tech companies, where the focus shifts from LeetCode-style challenges to practical coding skills, take-home projects, and in-depth technical discussions. This guide is ideal for candidates exploring varied interview processes at companies l
The Role of Soft Skills in a Software Engineering InterviewLearn about active listening, understanding verbal and non-verbal cues, and effective communication techniques to impress your interviewer. Explore how soft skills like problem-solving, teamwork, emotional intelligence, and adaptability are crucial not only in acing your interview but also in thriving in your software 
Interviewing as an Experienced SWEDiscover how to efficiently prepare in four key areas: coding, behavioral interviewing, system design, and company-specific prep. Learn the importance of balancing technical skills with storytelling in behavioral interviews, mastering system design through problem decomposition, and tailoring your preparation to the co
The Art of the Example: Nailing Your FAANG Behavioral InterviewDiscover the importance of tailoring responses to the specific level you're interviewing for, from new grads to staff/principal engineers. Learn how to showcase your conflict resolution, navigating ambiguity, driving results, and continuous growth skills with level-specific examples. Utilize Hello Interview's unique to