You've mastered technical presentations, but now let's tackle something trickier: live coding exercises where you solve problems in real-time while being evaluated.
Unlike presentations, these exercises test your problem-solving process, not just your final code.
Engagement Message
Have you ever had to code out loud while someone watched? How did that feel?
Live coding feels different because there's no script. You might get an algorithm challenge, a system design question, or a debugging scenario to work through.
The interviewer wants to see HOW you approach problems, not just what solution you code.
Engagement Message
What's scarier—having buggy code or having no clear approach to get started?
Here's your secret weapon: "thinking aloud." Narrate your thought process as you code. "I'm thinking this needs a hash map for O(1) lookup, so let me start there..."
This keeps interviewers engaged and shows your problem-solving skills even when you're debugging.
Engagement Message
Do you naturally talk through code, or do you prefer to think silently first?
Use this structure for any problem: Clarify → Break Down → Prioritize → Solve → Validate. Start by asking about edge cases, then break the problem into smaller functions.
This systematic approach works whether you're coding an algorithm or designing a system.
Engagement Message
Which step—clarify, break down, prioritize, solve, or validate—do you usually skip?
When you hit a wall, don't panic or go silent. Say: "I'm stuck on this edge case. Let me try a different data structure" or "I'd normally look up this API, but let me implement a basic version."
This shows resilience and keeps the conversation flowing.
Engagement Message
How do you typically react when your code won't compile immediately?
