Introduction:
Preparing for a FAANG interview can feel like stepping into a marathon with no map. You’ve heard the stories—candidates spending months buried in LeetCode, behavioral questions that seem impossible to prepare for, and system design sessions that leave even experienced developers second-guessing themselves.
The truth? While the process is rigorous, it’s absolutely crackable—if you have a smart, focused approach to your FAANG interview prep.
Whether you’re an aspiring developer, mid-level engineer, or a career switcher aiming high, this blog lays out a realistic, repeatable strategy to help you prepare effectively and confidently.
Why You Need a Structured FAANG Interview Prep Plan
Most candidates fail not because they’re not good enough—but because their prep is scattered.
They jump from platform to platform, work on random problems, ignore behavioral preparation until the last minute, and skip mock interviews altogether. Sound familiar?
That’s why the most successful FAANG candidates build a structure around their FAANG interview prep. Structure means progress. Progress means confidence.
The 4-Part Framework for FAANG Interview Prep
1. Data Structures & Algorithms Mastery
Your journey begins with technical fundamentals. The majority of your phone screen and early onsite rounds will center on DSA questions. But this isn’t just about solving problems—it’s about solving them well.
Key Topics to Master:
- Arrays & Strings
- Linked Lists
- Hash Maps & Sets
- Trees & Graphs
- Recursion & Backtracking
- Dynamic Programming
- Sliding Window & Two Pointers
- Heaps, Stacks, Queues
Daily Strategy:
- Solve 2–3 problems per day, with increasing difficulty
- Focus on patterns, not memorization
- After every problem, review your solution and log what you learned
Tools to Use:
- LeetCode (Blind 75 + Top Interview Questions)
- NeetCode patterns
- Daily problem tracking spreadsheet or Notion database
This first leg of your FAANG interview prep will build muscle memory and confidence in solving any problem under pressure.
2. Behavioral & Soft Skills Practice
Too many technically strong candidates are rejected in the final rounds due to poor behavioral performance.
Remember, FAANG companies don’t just hire coders—they hire collaborators, leaders, and growth-minded individuals.
Common Behavioral Questions:
- “Tell me about a time you failed.”
- “Describe a conflict with a team member and how you handled it.”
- “Give an example of taking initiative.”
- “How do you prioritize under pressure?”
How to Prepare:
- Write 8–10 STAR-format stories (Situation, Task, Action, Result)
- Practice saying them out loud in a conversational tone
- Record yourself or practice with a friend or coach
- Customize stories to reflect the values of each FAANG company
This step in your FAANG interview prep is just as important as DSA practice. Strong, authentic storytelling can make the difference between a “maybe” and a “yes.”
3. System Design Thinking
If you’re targeting mid-level or senior roles, system design interviews are inevitable. Even for junior roles, having a basic understanding of design concepts will help you stand out.
Core Concepts to Understand:
- Scalability
- Load balancing
- Caching
- Database design (SQL vs NoSQL)
- API design and REST principles
- Queues and rate limiting
- Sharding and replication
Practice Exercises:
- Design a URL shortener
- Build a scalable chat app
- Design a video streaming service
- Build a file storage system like Dropbox
Resources to Use:
- System Design Primer (GitHub)
- Gaurav Sen (YouTube)
- Excalidraw or Whimsical for drawing diagrams
Even if system design intimidates you, it should still be part of your FAANG interview prep. Being able to reason about architecture shows maturity in thinking.
4. Mock Interviews & Performance Simulation
What’s the difference between someone who knows the material and someone who gets the job?
Execution.
Mock interviews simulate the pressure of the real thing. You learn how to stay calm, structure your answers, and respond to curveballs.
Mock Interview Strategy:
- Start doing mocks after 4–5 weeks of solid prep
- Schedule at least 1–2 mocks per week
- Use platforms like Pramp, Interviewing.io, or trusted peers
- After every mock, debrief: what worked, what didn’t, what to improve
Mocking is the final layer of FAANG interview prep. It transforms you from a learner to a performer.
Sample 8-Week FAANG Interview Prep Plan
Here’s how your time can look if you’re working or studying full-time:
Weeks 1–2:
- DSA: Arrays, Strings, Hash Maps
- Behaviorals: Write 3 STAR stories
- Light review of system design basics
Weeks 3–5:
- DSA: Trees, Recursion, Graphs, DP
- Mocks: 1 per week
- Behaviorals: Practice stories aloud
- System Design: Design simple systems on paper
Weeks 6–8:
- DSA: Focus on weak areas + 1 hard problem/day
- Mocks: 2 per week
- Full behavioral storybank review
- 2–3 full design walkthroughs with feedback
Follow this path, and by the end, you won’t just know you’re ready—you’ll feel it.
Final Words:
The FAANG interview process is tough, but it’s also fair. You don’t need to be a genius. You don’t need an Ivy League degree. What you need is commitment, strategy, and consistency.
FAANG interview prep isn’t about grinding the most problems. It’s about identifying what matters, practicing deliberately, and building the mindset to think under pressure.
So don’t wait until you “feel ready.” Start now. Be consistent. Trust the process.
Your dream job isn’t a fantasy. It’s a goal. And you’re closer to achieving it than you think.