A pre-interview checklist for SWEs

There’s no real substitute for preparation when it comes to interviews.

Showing up well requires more than just knowing your stuff. It means understanding what’s expected of you, anticipating the flow of the conversation, and making intentional choices about how you present yourself. 

Good preparation builds confidence — not by scripting every moment, but by removing unnecessary friction. When you’re prepared, you think more clearly, communicate more effectively, and leave a stronger impression.

How much time should you give yourself to prepare?

If you’re preparing for a software engineering interview, the short answer is: more than you think.

The typical SWE interview process includes multiple stages, often covering data structures and algorithms, system design, values or behavioral interviews. That means you need to spend time reviewing core concepts, brushing up on coding fluency, and thinking through how to communicate technical decisions clearly.

You should carve out focused time to:

• Understand the format of the interview(s)
• Research the company and the role
• Practice your stories or coding
• Make sure there are no surprises (technical platforms, tools, etc.)

If it’s a technical interview, aim to spend dedicated time each day reviewing questions or brushing up on fundamentals. If it’s more behavioral or values-based, spend time reflecting on relevant past experiences and framing your story.

The Pre-Interview checklist

Before the interview: Prepare and research

✅ Ask the recruiter what to expect in terms of format and topics for each interview. 

✅ Prep 3–5 strong, personal stories to match company values.

✅ Know the company’s tech stack—even if you’re interviewing in a different language or platform.

✅ Study the job description. Highlight what they’re really looking for, and tailor your experience and goals accordingly.

✅ Read up on recent company news, product launches, or funding rounds. In the interview, only reference positive developments.

Get comfortable with the logistics

✅ Make sure you’re familiar with any interviewing tools being used (e.g., HackerRank, CoderPad, CodeSignal). If you’ve never used it before, try a demo.

✅ Set aside 30–60 minutes to warm up with easy coding questions—get your brain in gear.

Know who you’re talking to

✅ Look up your interviewers on LinkedIn. Get a feel for their background so you can personalize your questions and build rapport.

Set yourself up to show up well

✅ Prepare a few questions to ask at the end of the interview. Not generic ones—think curiosity-driven and specific to your role or team.

✅ Eat something that will give you steady energy. It’s hard to think clearly on an empty stomach.

✅ Get a full night’s sleep — obvious, yes, but easier said than done.

✅ Do something to boost your energy — even 100 jumping jacks right before can shake off nerves and get you in a positive headspace.

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The Formation Fellowship gives mid-level and senior engineering job seekers everything they need to land their dream roles — including personalized skill brush-ups, resume help, unlimited mock interviews with experienced software engineers and hiring managers from top-tier tech companies, career and negotiation support, and more. 

If you’re having trouble navigating your job search on your own, apply here and get unconditional support from a team of engineering mentors, technical recruiters, career coaches, and more.