Teacher Karen

Point 1: types of interviews

Technical rounds
 Data structures & algorithms
 System design (for experienced roles)
 Debugging & code reviews

Data structures & algorithms

Data structures and algorithms (DSA) rounds are a standard part of technical interviews for
programming roles. They assess a candidate's problem-solving skills and understanding of
fundamental computer science concepts.

What are DSA rounds used for?

 To evaluate a candidate's ability to solve complex problems efficiently

 To assess a candidate's ability to think critically and perform well under pressure

 To gauge a candidate's technical capabilities

What are some common data structures and algorithms?

Arrays, Linked lists, Stacks, Sorting algorithms, Searching algorithms, and Dynamic programming.

How can I prepare for DSA rounds?

 Learn the fundamental data structures and algorithms

 Practice solving problems within a limited timeframe

 Look for company-specific topics and solve questions for those topics

 Understand how to use data structures to translate real-world problems into algorithmic
solutions

How can I perform well in DSA rounds?

 Organize your answers

 Answer questions clearly and confidently

 Think out loud and explain your thought process

 State the time and space complexity of any solution you're thinking of
System design (for experienced roles)
System design interviews assess a candidate's ability to architect scalable, reliable, and efficient
systems. These are typically conducted for mid-to-senior-level engineering roles where candidates
are expected to design complex software systems from scratch.

What is Evaluated in System Design Interviews?

 Scalability – How well the system handles large-scale traffic and data.

 Reliability – Ensuring system availability and fault tolerance.

 Efficiency – Optimizing latency, throughput, and resource usage.

 Maintainability – Ease of updates, modularity, and code reusability.

Common Topics in System Design Interviews

 Load Balancing – Distributing traffic across multiple servers.

 Database Design – SQL vs. NoSQL, sharding, replication, indexing.

 Microservices & Monolithic Architectures – When to use which.

 CDN (Content Delivery Networks) – Improving content distribution speed.

How to Prepare for System Design Interviews?

 Understand architectural components – Learn about databases, APIs, distributed systems,
and cloud computing.

 Practice designing real-world systems – Design scalable applications like URL shorteners,
social media platforms, and e-commerce systems.

 Learn trade-offs – Understand different design choices and their

advantages/disadvantages.

 Communicate clearly – Explain design choices, constraints, and improvements effectively.

Debugging & Code Reviews in Technical Interviews

Debugging and code reviews are critical skills assessed in technical interviews, especially for
software engineering roles. These rounds evaluate a candidate’s ability to identify, analyze, and fix
issues in code efficiently while following best practices for maintainability and readability.
Debugging

What is Debugging?

Debugging is the process of identifying and fixing errors in a codebase to ensure it behaves as
expected. These errors could be syntax errors, logical errors, or runtime errors.

Key Aspects Evaluated in Debugging Rounds

 Understanding of common programming bugs (e.g., null pointer dereferences, memory

leaks).

 Ability to use debugging tools (e.g., print statements, breakpoints, logging, profilers).

 Logical reasoning and systematic problem-solving approaches.

 Knowledge of performance bottlenecks and optimization techniques.

How to Approach Debugging in an Interview?

1. Understand the Problem – Read and clarify what the code is supposed to do.

2. Reproduce the Issue – Identify the exact input that causes the failure.

3. Use Debugging Tools – Use print(), debugger, or IDE breakpoints to locate the issue.

4. Check Edge Cases – Test boundary conditions that might break the program.

5. Fix and Validate – Correct the issue and rerun tests to ensure no new bugs appear.

Code Reviews

What is a Code Review?

A code review is the process of systematically inspecting code for correctness, efficiency, security,
and readability.

What is Evaluated in Code Review Rounds?

 Code Readability – Is the code clean, modular, and well-structured?

 Best Practices – Does the code follow proper naming conventions, DRY principles, and
SOLID principles?

 Performance & Optimization – Are there unnecessary computations or inefficient

algorithms?
  Security Concerns – Does the code handle sensitive data correctly? Are there
vulnerabilities?

 Edge Cases & Error Handling – Does the code gracefully handle failures?

How to Conduct a Code Review?

1. Read the Code Carefully – Understand what each function/class does.

2. Check for Consistency – Ensure variable naming, indentation, and formatting are uniform.

3. Assess Performance – Identify any redundant loops or slow algorithms.

4. Suggest Improvements – Provide constructive feedback with better alternatives.

5. Ensure Proper Documentation – Verify comments, README, and inline documentation.

Extra data about SQL vs. NoSQL

1) SQL (Structured Query Language) – A language used to manage and query relational
databases, which store data in tables with predefined schemas.

2) NoSQL (Not Only SQL) – A type of database that provides flexible schemas and is
optimized for scalability, handling large amounts of unstructured or semi-structured data
(e.g., document stores, key-value stores, graph databases).

Behavioral Rounds
Behavioral interviews assess a candidate's ability to handle workplace situations using past
experiences. They focus on soft skills, leadership, and decision-making.

Leadership Principles (e.g., Amazon, Google)

Companies like Amazon and Google have structured leadership principles that they evaluate
candidates on.

Amazon’s Leadership Principles (Examples)

 Customer Obsession – Always prioritizing customer needs.

 Ownership – Taking responsibility beyond assigned tasks.

 Bias for Action – Acting quickly instead of over-analyzing.

 Invent & Simplify – Driving innovation and process efficiency.

Google’s Leadership Values (Examples)

  Gooeyness – A mix of humility, curiosity, and resilience.

 Challenge the Status Quo – Improving existing ideas and processes.

 Bias Toward Impact – Focusing on high-value contributions.

 Collaborative Decision-Making – Valuing team input over hierarchy.

STAR (Situation, Task, Action, Result) Approach

The STAR method is commonly used to answer behavioral questions in a structured way.

Example Question: “Tell me about a time you handled a conflict in a team.”

S - Situation: Describe the context (e.g., project deadline conflict).

T - Task: Explain your role (e.g., mediator between teams).
A - Action: Detail what you did (e.g., facilitated a discussion, set clear goals).
R - Result: Share the outcome (e.g., project delivered on time, team collaboration improved).

Why Use STAR?

 Keeps answers concise and impactful

 Helps highlight key competencies

 Aligns with structured decision-making

Case Study Rounds

Case study interviews assess structured problem-solving, product thinking, and business impact
awareness.

Real-World Problem Solving

Candidates are given a realistic business problem and asked to develop a structured solution.

Example: “How would you reduce customer wait times in a retail store?”

 Identify the problem (e.g., slow checkout, staff shortages).

 Analyze key metrics (e.g., foot traffic patterns, peak hours).

 Propose solutions (e.g., self-checkout, AI-driven staff scheduling).

 Evaluate trade-offs (e.g., cost vs. efficiency).

Key Skills: Analytical thinking, decision-making, business impact assessment.

Product Thinking & Scalability
Product-based case studies focus on building scalable solutions and customer impact.

Example: “Design a food delivery app for a developing country.”

 Understand user needs (e.g., internet limitations, payment methods).

 Prioritize features (e.g., offline mode, SMS-based ordering).

 Think scalability (e.g., expanding to multiple cities, delivery partnerships).

 Consider risks (e.g., logistics, local competition).

Key Skills: User research, prioritization, problem-solving, scalability analysis.

Final Thoughts
 Behavioral rounds evaluate past experiences & leadership mindset.

 Case study rounds test structured thinking & business-oriented problem-solving.

Point 2)

Breaking down a case study(1 case per each)

Topic Eduardo:

Propose a structured solution

Case Study: Improving a Production Line

1. Problem Statement

The production line at [Company Name] has been experiencing inefficiencies, leading to delays,
high defect rates, and increased operational costs. The objective of this case study is to analyze the
root causes of these issues and propose a structured solution to optimize the production line's
efficiency, quality, and cost-effectiveness.
Key Challenges:

 Frequent machine breakdowns causing downtime

 Bottlenecks in specific production stages

 High defect rates affecting product quality

 Inefficient resource allocation (labor, materials, energy)

 Lack of real-time monitoring and predictive maintenance

2. Structured Approach to the Solution

To address these challenges, we propose a five-step structured approach based on Lean

Manufacturing, Six Sigma, and Data-Driven Decision-Making methodologies.

Step 1: Root Cause Analysis

 Conduct time-motion studies to identify bottlenecks.

 Collect historical machine downtime data to find patterns.

 Perform defect analysis to determine the most common failure points.

 Gather worker feedback to understand operational challenges.

Step 2: Process Optimization

 Redesign workflow to reduce unnecessary movements and optimize production stages.

 Balance the workload between workstations to ensure smooth operations.

 Introduce real-time tracking to monitor production speed and quality metrics.

Step 3: Automation & Technology Integration

 Implement IoT sensors for machine monitoring and predictive maintenance.

 Use AI-based analytics to forecast machine failures before they occur.

 Introduce robotic automation for repetitive tasks to enhance speed and precision.

Step 4: Quality Control & Defect Reduction

  Implement automated vision inspection systems to detect defects early.

 Introduce Six Sigma principles to reduce process variations.

 Standardize quality checkpoints to ensure defect-free production.

Step 5: Performance Monitoring & Continuous Improvement

 Use KPIs (e.g., Overall Equipment Effectiveness, First Pass Yield) to measure success.

 Conduct weekly data reviews to track progress and adjust strategies.

 Provide ongoing training for workers on efficiency techniques and new technologies.

Topic David:

Case Study: Clarifying the Problem Statement for AI-Based Predictive Maintenance

1. Introduction

Unplanned machine failures in a production line cause significant downtime, increased

maintenance costs, and reduced operational efficiency. Implementing AI-based predictive
maintenance requires a clear understanding of the root causes behind these failures. A well-
defined problem statement is essential for structuring a data-driven solution.

2. Identifying Key Issues

To clarify the problem statement, we analyze various factors contributing to maintenance

inefficiencies.

A. Machine Downtime & Unexpected Failures

 How often do critical machines break down?

 What are the most frequent failure types (mechanical, electrical, software)?

 Are breakdowns occurring at predictable intervals or randomly?

B. Maintenance Strategy & Inefficiencies

 Is maintenance currently reactive (fixing after failure) or preventive (scheduled checks)?

 How much time and cost are spent on emergency repairs?

 Are spare parts readily available when breakdowns occur?

C. Data & Monitoring Limitations

 Are machine sensors and data collection systems in place?

 What data is currently available (temperature, vibration, usage hours)?

  Is historical maintenance data used for failure prediction?

D. Production Impact & Costs

 What is the estimated loss per hour of downtime?

 How does machine failure affect overall production efficiency?

 Are customers affected by delays in production output?

3. Collecting Data for Problem Validation

Once the key issues are identified, validating them with accurate data is crucial:

 Machine failure logs to analyze breakdown patterns.

 Real-time sensor data to track equipment performance.

 Maintenance reports to assess repair frequency and costs.

 Production output metrics to quantify the impact of failures.

4. Defining a Clear Problem Statement

Based on the data analysis, a refined problem statement is created. For example:

"The production line at [Company Name] experiences an average of 20% downtime due to
unexpected machine failures, leading to a 15% increase in maintenance costs and delayed order
fulfillment. The primary causes include a reactive maintenance strategy, lack of real-time
condition monitoring, and ineffective failure prediction."

A precise problem statement ensures that AI-based predictive maintenance solutions address the
real issues rather than applying generic fixes.

5. Conclusion

Clarifying the problem statement is the first step in successfully implementing AI-driven predictive
maintenance. By identifying inefficiencies, gathering data, and defining clear objectives, companies
can ensure that AI solutions are aligned with operational needs and drive measurable
improvements.
Soft Skills & Hard Skills in Case Studies

Soft Skills (Interpersonal & Cognitive Abilities)

1. Critical Thinking – Analyzing problems logically and identifying root causes.

2. Problem-Solving – Developing effective and practical solutions.

3. Communication – Explaining findings, justifying decisions, and collaborating with teams.

4. Adaptability – Adjusting approaches based on data and evolving requirements.

5. Decision-Making – Prioritizing the best course of action based on available information.

6. Attention to Detail – Ensuring accuracy in data collection, analysis, and execution.

7. Collaboration – Working with cross-functional teams to align on solutions.

8. Time Management – Efficiently handling project deadlines and execution phases.

Hard Skills (Technical & Analytical Abilities)

1. Data Analysis – Extracting insights from logs, performance metrics, and reports.

2. Process Optimization – Identifying inefficiencies and improving workflows.

3. AI & Machine Learning – Applying predictive algorithms for maintenance or analytics.

4. Programming – Writing scripts to automate data collection or analytics.

5. System Design – Structuring production processes for efficiency.

6. Quality Control Techniques – Using Six Sigma, Lean Manufacturing, or defect reduction
methods.

7. Project Management Tools – Using software like Jira, Asana, or Trello for execution
tracking.

8. Industrial Automation – Implementing IoT, robotics, and real-time monitoring systems.

Application in the Case Studies
Case 1: Propose a Structured Solution (Production Line Improvement)
Step Soft Skills Used Hard Skills Used

Critical Thinking, Attention to Detail, Data Analysis, Process

1. Root Cause Analysis
Problem-Solving Optimization

2. Process Lean Manufacturing, Workflow

Decision-Making, Adaptability
Optimization Optimization

3. Automation & AI, Industrial Automation, IoT

Innovation, Collaboration
Technology Integration

Six Sigma, Machine Vision

4. Quality Control Attention to Detail, Communication
Inspection

5. Performance Time Management, Communication, KPI Analysis, Real-Time Data

Monitoring Collaboration Dashboards

Case 2: Clarifying the Problem Statement (AI-Based Predictive Maintenance)

Step Soft Skills Used Hard Skills Used

Critical Thinking, Attention to Detail, Data Analysis, Failure Mode

1. Identifying Key Issues
Communication Analysis

2. Data Collection & AI Data Processing, IoT Data

Problem-Solving, Collaboration
Validation Gathering

3. Root Cause Predictive Modeling, Machine

Decision-Making, Analytical Thinking
Understanding Learning

System Design, Statistical

4. Defining the Problem Communication, Attention to Detail
Analysis

Report Writing, KPI

5. Ensuring Alignment Collaboration, Adaptability
Development

Point 3)
Behavioral interview & soft skill (how would you
explain the developed of 3 skills that you have
obviously to compete in the market).

Explanation of Adaptability, attention to detail and communication to compete in the market:

Situation: the program excels macros task for the intership ibux ESPH

When David and me have been working in the internship in the ibux, our boss assigns us to use the
macros excel to automatized a process line for the internet naps of Heredia. This assigned was a
very large work because the work had many steps moreover the phases. So, we have to learn how
use excel programming to complete our work. We used different soft skills for end this job, we use
adaptability in the form to find solutions, learn to adapt our experience and knowledge to
complete the task and learn about macros programming of excel then one of the most important
soft skill in the file of programming is the communication and for us was super important for
complete the task, we talk of different ideas, possibles solutions and different points of view for
the task and the last soft skill that we want mentioned is the Attention to Detail soft skill, because
when you program something you need to ensure that your code run without fails in anything
situation and ensure that your code complete all the task that the user ask so we needed this soft
skill for saw all details that our boss ask for the code done in consequently with this soft skill and
some more we can to end the assigned.

We consider that we have this soft skill to compete in the market because we can and knew how to
resolve a problem and adapted in a new environment and we consider that these soft skills are
very important for the compete in today’s market.