How to Effectively Prepare for Google and Meta Coding Interviews Using LeetCode

(This Blog comes from one of our providers who got offers from both Google and Meta after the 3rd try for both companies.)

Preparing for coding interviews at top tech companies like Google and Meta is no small feat. These interviews are known for their rigor, and getting an offer from these giants requires dedication and strategy. However, if you don’t succeed on your first attempt, don’t worry—you can always try again with better preparation.

In this blog, I’ll share my journey of getting offers from both Google and Meta, but it took me three attempts with each company to finally succeed. On my third attempt, I felt truly confident and managed to solve even the unfamiliar coding problems that came up during the interviews. Below, I’ll share some of the strategies that helped me prepare effectively and maximize my chances of success. I hope these insights will be helpful for others on a similar journey.

The Two Core Skills for Cracking Coding Interviews

To succeed in coding interviews, you need to master two essential capabilities:

1. Problem Solving: Knowing how to approach and solve a problem efficiently.
2. Code Implementation: Writing clean, efficient, and bug-free code.

Let’s dive into the specific strategies that can help you improve these skills.

1. Don’t Reinvent the Wheel: Master the Algorithms

A common misconception is that interviewers expect you to come up with new algorithms on the spot. However, that’s far from the truth. The algorithms you need to solve coding problems have already been invented—you just need to know when and how to apply them.

Tip: If you find yourself stuck on a problem for more than 10 minutes, it’s often because you’re not familiar with the algorithm or don’t realize that a particular algorithm applies. In such cases, don’t hesitate to look up the solution. The goal of interview preparation is to get comfortable recognizing patterns—not to reinvent the wheel.

Think of it like pattern recognition: the more examples you encounter, the better you get at recognizing which algorithm fits a new problem. By studying various problems that use the same algorithm, you’ll quickly learn to identify when to apply it in an interview setting.

2. Write Clean, Bug-Free Code

Clean, efficient code is one of the most crucial aspects interviewers evaluate. You may have the correct solution, but if your code is messy, difficult to read, or prone to bugs, it could be a red flag.

Focus on:

• Writing concise, readable code.
• Avoiding unnecessary complexity.
• Using meaningful variable names and adding clear comments where needed.

Clean code not only demonstrates your coding skills but also shows that you can produce quality work under time pressure—an essential skill for any software engineer.

3. Leverage LeetCode Effectively: Solve by Category

With over 3,000 problems on LeetCode, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. The key question is: Where should you start? The most effective way is to approach problems by category.

By focusing on specific categories (e.g., Depth-First Search, Dynamic Programming, Two-Pointers), you train yourself to recognize patterns associated with each algorithm. This approach builds a mental toolbox that enables you to quickly identify the best strategy for new problems during interviews.

While there are many curated lists like LeetCode’s Top Interview 150, NeetCode 150, and Blind 75, I found it helpful to create a custom list based on the categories I struggled with most. During my preparation, I solved over 300 problems across categories, often revisiting problems to explore multiple solutions. Here’s a spreadsheet that contains the exact LeetCode problems I solved, in the sequential order I tackled them: FG 300.

Here’s a breakdown of the key categories to cover:

• Dynamic Programming
• Depth-First Search (DFS)
• Breadth-First Search (BFS)
• Binary Search
• HashMap
• Two-Pointers
• Backtracking
• Stack
• Sorting
• Queue
• Heap / Priority Queue
• Linked List
• Trie
• Union-Find
• Prefix Sum
• Monotonic Stack

As you progress, you’ll develop the ability to quickly classify a problem into one of these categories. This categorization makes it significantly easier to approach problems systematically, giving you a strong edge in high-pressure interview situations.

4. Mindset: Turning LeetCode Grinding into a Rewarding Challenge

Let’s be honest—grinding through LeetCode can be exhausting. But here’s a mental hack that can help you stay motivated: think of each problem as an investment in your future income.

Consider this: landing an offer at Google or Meta could increase your annual income by $50,000. Over four years, that’s an extra $200,000. Now, if you break down your preparation into solving 300 problems, each problem is effectively worth $600.

Ask yourself: if someone offered you $600 to solve each LeetCode problem, wouldn’t you jump at the opportunity? Treat your preparation like a side hustle with a guaranteed high return on investment. Every problem you solve is a step closer to that dream job and a significant boost to your financial future.

5. Prioritize Both Quantity and Quality

Quantity: Build Your Problem-Solving Muscle

Hard work is essential if you want to reach a point where you can confidently handle any problem thrown at you. In my first two attempts at cracking Google and Meta, I had solved fewer than 200 problems. It wasn’t until I pushed beyond 300 problems, often revisiting the same problems for deeper understanding, that I felt truly confident.

Quality: Aim for Efficiency

For every problem you solve, always review the solution discussion section on LeetCode. Your goal should be to ensure your solution is at least in the top 50% in terms of performance. Even if you can solve a problem on your own, reviewing other solutions can introduce you to more efficient algorithms or cleaner coding techniques.

6. Don’t Skip Mock Interviews: Simulate the Real Thing

No amount of LeetCode practice can fully prepare you for the real pressure of a coding interview. That’s where mock interviews come in. They help you get used to the interview environment and provide invaluable feedback on areas you might be overlooking, such as optimizing code readability or communicating your thought process effectively.

At MeetAPro, we have experienced interviewers from Google, Meta, and other top tech companies who can give you tailored feedback. With reasonable pricing and high-quality guidance, it’s an investment that can pay off when it matters most.

Conclusion: Keep Grinding, Stay Consistent

Cracking Google or Meta coding interviews is challenging, but with the right strategy and consistent effort, it’s absolutely possible. Focus on mastering algorithms, writing clean code, and leveraging mock interviews to refine your skills. Remember, persistence is key. If you don’t succeed this year, learn from the experience, adjust your strategy, and come back stronger next time.

Good luck, and happy coding! 🚀