Cracking the Coding Interview

Coding interviews can feel intense and uncertain, but with the right preparation—clear problem-solving steps, solid fundamentals, and a calm way to present your thinking—anyone can walk in with more confidence and walk out feeling proud of how they showed up.

Gayle Laakmann McDowell

★ 4.5 / 5(408 ratings)

Start Listening

Categories:

Career & Success Productivity Personal Development

Listen to Cracking the Coding Interview

Loading audio... Please wait for the audio to load before using controls.

0:0023:45

Speed:

100%

What You'll Learn from Cracking the Coding Interview

✓— A Calm Survival Kit for High-Pressure Interviews
✓— Reading the Room at Big Tech: What Each Company Leans Toward
✓— Choosing the Right Role: What Interviewers Expect Across Tech Jobs
✓— Meeting the Whiteboard with a Clear Problem-Solving Rhythm
✓— Sharpening the Fundamentals: Clean Code, Clear Thinking, Strong Signals

Cracking the Coding Interview Chapter Overview

Chapter 1: AudiobookHub Recommendation
Chapter 2: — A Calm Survival Kit for High-Pressure Interviews
Chapter 3: — Reading the Room at Big Tech: What Each Company Leans Toward
Chapter 4: — Choosing the Right Role: What Interviewers Expect Across Tech Jobs
Chapter 5: — Meeting the Whiteboard with a Clear Problem-Solving Rhythm
Chapter 6: — Sharpening the Fundamentals: Clean Code, Clear Thinking, Strong Signals
Chapter 7: — After the Interview: Evaluating Offers, Handling Doubt, Healing from Rejection
Chapter 8: — Steady Confidence: Let the Hard Questions Build You

About Cracking the Coding Interview

This warm, practical narration guides listeners through the core realities of programming interviews—why they feel so competitive, what top companies tend to look for, and how to prepare in a way that strengthens both skill and confidence. Instead of chasing perfect memorization, it emphasizes building a reliable process: listening carefully, clarifying, drafting solutions, optimizing, and testing thoughtfully.

Along the way, it offers insider-style expectations for big tech interviews, breaks down how different tech roles are assessed, and closes with steady reassurance about offers, negotiation considerations, and rejection. The tone stays supportive and grounded: preparation helps, mindset matters, and one interview never defines anyone’s worth.

Who Should Listen to Cracking the Coding Interview

Programmers and computer science students preparing for technical interviews, especially whiteboard-style coding rounds
Career-changers aiming for roles in big tech or start-ups who want a clear picture of what interviewers evaluate
Developers seeking a calmer, more structured way to practice algorithms, data structures, and interview communication

About Gayle Laakmann McDowell

Gayle Laakmann McDowell is known for coaching candidates through technical interviews and for clearly explaining how software companies evaluate problem-solving, coding, and communication during hiring. Her work focuses on practical preparation, strong fundamentals, and interview strategies that help candidates present their skills with confidence.