How to find and choose the best mock interview platforms for FAANG prep?

Preparing for FAANG (Facebook, Amazon, Apple, Netflix, Google) interviews requires rigorous practice and familiarity with the interview format.

Mock interviews are an excellent way to simulate the real interview experience.

But if you are struggling to shortlist the right service, here’s how to find and choose the best mock interview platforms for FAANG prep:

1. Identify Your FAANG Interview Prep Needs

Before diving into any mock interview platform, it’s important to understand what type of interview you need the most practice in:

Coding Interviews: If you’re applying for a software engineering position, make sure to focus on data structures, algorithms, and problem-solving skills.
System Design Interviews: Senior-level or backend engineering roles often require demonstrating the ability to design complex, scalable systems.
Behavioral Interviews: Don’t underestimate the importance of cultural fit and communication skills, which FAANG companies heavily prioritize.

By identifying the interview formats you need to master, you can better tailor your platform search and practice sessions.

Check out the common interview questions.

2. Research the Best Mock Interview Platforms

With your needs in mind, start researching platforms known for their success in preparing candidates for FAANG-level roles. Here are a few to consider:

Pramp
- Features: Free, peer-to-peer mock interviews covering data structures, algorithms, system design, and behavioral interviews.
- Advantages: Great for practicing in a collaborative environment; you can learn from giving feedback as well as receiving it.
DesignGurus.io
- Background: Authors of the popular Grokking series and ex-FAANG engineers provide personalized feedback that helps candidates understand their strengths and weaknesses.
- Mock Interview Categories: Offers both coding and system design mock interviews, providing specialized practice for FAANG-level roles.
- Global Services: DesignGurus.io offers online mock interview services to facilitate candidates throughout the globe.
CareerCup
- Background: Founded by Gayle Laakmann McDowell, author of “Cracking the Coding Interview.”
- Focus: Known for strong emphasis on coding and system design interview prep, providing industry-standard questions.

While these platforms are highly regarded, always verify their features, pricing models, and the experience of interviewers before committing.

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3. Evaluate Key Platform Features

When researching a potential platform, consider the following critical features:

Realism: The closer the platform replicates the real FAANG interview environment—question type, difficulty level, and format—the more beneficial it will be.
Quality of Interviewers: Prioritize platforms where the interviewers are current or former FAANG employees or have significant industry experience.
Detailed Feedback: Look for platforms that offer in-depth, actionable feedback. Some even provide recorded sessions so you can revisit your performance.
Community and Resources: Platforms with thriving forums or additional learning materials can enrich your overall prep.
Cost: While free options exist, paid sessions can offer specialized coaching and direct feedback from top engineers or hiring managers.

4. Peer vs. Expert Interviewers

Peer Interviews

Pros: Often free or very affordable, less intimidating, and allow you to practice in a relaxed environment.
Cons: Feedback may lack the depth or industry-specific insight that expert interviewers provide.

Expert Interviews

Pros: Usually conducted by professionals who have experience at FAANG or similar high-tech companies. They provide high-level insights into the hiring process, question styles, and performance expectations.
Cons: Can be more expensive and might be limited in availability.

Tip: A blend of both peer and expert interviews can offer a well-rounded preparation strategy, giving you confidence and industry-level insights.

5. Scheduling and Frequency of Mock Interviews

Consistent practice is vital to building and retaining interview skills:

Set a Reasonable Cadence: Aim for 1-2 interviews per week initially, balancing mock interviews with time to review feedback and improve.
Increase Complexity Over Time: Start with simpler coding problems or general system designs, then progress to advanced topics as you gain confidence.
Avoid Burnout: Quality matters more than quantity. Overscheduling can lead to interview fatigue, which might negatively affect your performance.

6. Perfecting Your Technical Environment and Tools

A seamless technical setup helps you focus on solving the problem rather than dealing with glitches:

Test Your Gear: Make sure your camera, microphone, and internet connection are reliable.
Practice with Online Tools: Familiarize yourself with coding environments and virtual whiteboards offered by the platform.
Use a Quiet, Well-Lit Space: Clear sound and good lighting make for a more professional atmosphere and help you simulate real interview conditions.

7. Don’t Overlook Behavioral and Soft Skills

FAANG companies place a strong emphasis on communication, leadership, and teamwork:

STAR Method (Situation, Task, Action, Result): Use the STAR framework for structuring your answers to behavioral interview questions.
Emphasize Clarity: Practice explaining your thought process step by step, so your interviewer can follow your reasoning.
Stay Professional: Maintain polite and concise communication throughout, showing you can handle pressure with composure.

8. Tracking Progress and Improvement

Regularly measuring how you improve is key to effective preparation:

Log Your Sessions: Keep a record of each mock interview, noting date, difficulty level, topics covered, and key feedback.
Review Recorded Sessions: If your platform provides session recordings, watch them to identify patterns and recurring mistakes.
Set SMART Goals: Aim for specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound objectives, like reducing coding errors or improving response time to tricky questions.

9. Mock Interview Etiquette and Best Practices

Adhering to professional standards will help you shine:

Be Punctual and Prepared: Treat each mock interview like the real thing by arriving on time and being ready to start promptly.
Dress Appropriately (Even Online): A professional appearance can boost your confidence and help set the right tone.
Communicate Proactively: If you don’t understand a question, ask clarifying questions early to demonstrate your logical thinking process.

10. Cost Considerations

Mock interview platforms vary in pricing structure:

Free Platforms: Ideal for initial practice and peer-to-peer sessions. Great for budget-conscious candidates.
Paid Platforms: Often provide specialized coaching, direct feedback from FAANG-level interviewers, and advanced simulations. Consider this an investment if you need targeted practice for highly competitive roles.

11. Read Reviews and Testimonials

User feedback can reveal crucial details about a platform’s effectiveness:

Success Stories: Look for testimonials from individuals who secured FAANG offers after using a particular platform.
Platform Relevance: Feedback often highlights whether the questions closely match real FAANG interviews, which can help you narrow your options.

12. Try Multiple Platforms

Relying on just one platform may limit your exposure to different question types, interviewing styles, and feedback mechanisms:

Diversify Your Experience: Explore at least two or three platforms to gain a variety of perspectives.
Compare Strengths: One platform may excel at coding interviews, while another might be better for system design or behavioral questions.

13. Actively Incorporate Feedback

The real value of mock interviews is in how you use the feedback:

Implement Changes Quickly: If you receive suggestions to optimize your approach or refine your solutions, apply them in your next practice round.
Track Your Progress: Notice how your performance and confidence evolve with each interview, and keep aiming for continuous improvement.

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Conclusion

Choosing the right mock interview platform for FAANG preparation is a strategic process that begins with understanding your specific needs—whether that’s coding, system design, or behavioral interviews.

Once you know your focus areas, research and compare platforms based on realism, interviewer quality, and feedback depth.

Don’t hesitate to mix peer-to-peer sessions with expert-level interviews for a balanced preparation.

Finally, consistency is key: schedule interviews at a manageable pace, incorporate feedback diligently, and keep track of your progress.

By following these steps and exploring highly regarded services like DesignGurus.io’s coding and system design mock interviews, you’ll be well on your way to acing your next FAANG interview.

Start practicing today, stay persistent, and watch your confidence—and interview skills—soar.