The Interview Rubric

Understanding how you're being evaluated is crucial to performing well. Most companies use a standardized rubric with specific categories.

The Four Main Dimensions

1. Problem Solving (40%)

What they're looking for:

Can you understand the problem?
Do you ask clarifying questions?
Can you break down complex problems?
Do you consider edge cases?

How to demonstrate:

✓ Ask clarifying questions before coding
✓ Walk through examples
✓ Consider edge cases: empty input, single element, duplicates
✓ Verbalize your thought process
✓ Consider multiple approaches

2. Coding (30%)

What they're looking for:

Clean, readable code
Proper syntax and language knowledge
Appropriate data structures and algorithms
Code organization

How to demonstrate:

✓ Use meaningful variable names
✓ Keep functions focused and modular
✓ Handle edge cases in code
✓ Write idiomatic code for your language
✓ Explain your code as you write

3. Communication (20%)

What they're looking for:

Can you explain your thinking clearly?
Do you listen and respond to hints?
Are you collaborative?
Can you discuss tradeoffs?

How to demonstrate:

✓ Think out loud
✓ Explain your approach before coding
✓ Discuss time and space complexity
✓ Ask questions when stuck
✓ Be receptive to feedback

4. Verification (10%)

What they're looking for:

Do you test your code?
Can you find bugs?
Do you consider edge cases?
Can you debug efficiently?

How to demonstrate:

✓ Walk through your code with an example
✓ Test edge cases
✓ Find and fix bugs before running
✓ Explain what you're testing

The Scoring Scale

Most companies use a 4-5 point scale:

Strong Hire (4/4)

Solves problem optimally with minimal hints
Clean, bug-free code
Excellent communication
Considers all edge cases
May solve follow-up problems

Hire (3/4)

Solves problem with minor hints
Mostly correct code with minor bugs
Good communication
Handles most edge cases
This is the target!

Maybe/Borderline (2/4)

Solves problem with significant hints
Working solution but with bugs or inefficiencies
Adequate communication
Misses some edge cases

No Hire (1/4)

Cannot solve even with hints
Many bugs or incorrect solution
Poor communication
Doesn't consider edge cases

What Differentiates Levels

Junior Engineer

Needs to solve the problem with guidance
Can implement known algorithms
Basic communication

Mid-Level Engineer

Solves problem independently
Optimal solution with hints
Clear communication
Good debugging skills

Senior Engineer

Multiple approaches
Optimal solution independently
Excellent communication
Handles ambiguity well
May solve bonus problems

Common Misconceptions

❌ Myth: You need the optimal solution immediately

Reality: It's better to start with a working solution and optimize.

❌ Myth: Silence while thinking looks professional

Reality: Thinking out loud shows your problem-solving process.

❌ Myth: Asking questions shows weakness

Reality: Good questions demonstrate thoughtfulness.

❌ Myth: You need to know every algorithm

Reality: Problem-solving ability matters more than memorization.

❌ Myth: One mistake means automatic rejection

Reality: How you handle mistakes matters more than making them.

What Interviewers Look For

Green Flags ✅

Asks clarifying questions
Discusses multiple approaches
Explains tradeoffs
Tests their code
Finds and fixes bugs
Responds well to hints
Collaborative attitude

Red Flags ❌

Jumps into coding without planning
Silent for long periods
Defensive about mistakes
Ignores hints
Doesn't test their code
Can't explain their approach
Poor attitude or communication

The Hidden Score: Culture Fit

Beyond technical skills, interviewers assess:

Collaboration: Do they work well with others?
Learning: Can they take feedback?
Initiative: Do they drive the conversation?
Enthusiasm: Are they excited about the role?

Score Aggregation

Most companies require:

Big Tech (FAANG): 3-4 "Hire" or better across interviews
Startups: 2-3 "Hire" ratings typically sufficient
Final Decision: Made by hiring committee, not individual interviewers

One weak interview can be balanced by strong performances elsewhere!

Practice Calibration

When practicing, score yourself honestly:

Problem Solving: __/4
- Did I understand the problem?
- Did I consider edge cases?
- Did I find an optimal solution?

Coding: __/4
- Is my code clean and readable?
- Did I use appropriate data structures?
- Is it bug-free?

Communication: __/4
- Did I explain my thinking?
- Was I clear and organized?
- Did I discuss tradeoffs?

Verification: __/4
- Did I test my code?
- Did I find and fix bugs?
- Did I cover edge cases?

Total: __/16

Aim for 12+/16 (equivalent to "Hire") in your practice sessions.

Key Takeaway

The interview is not just about getting the right answer—it's about demonstrating how you think, communicate, and work through problems. A well-communicated "good enough" solution often scores better than a silent, perfect solution.