Top 5 Courses to Crack FAANG or MAANG Interviews in 2024
My favorite online courses to prepare well for FAANG or MAANG interviews on Big Tech
Hello guys, In today’s competitive tech landscape, landing a job at one of the Big Tech companies like MAANG (Meta, Amazon, Apple, Netflix, Google) earlier known as FAANG (Facebook, Amazon, Apple, Netflix, Google) is a dream for many software engineers.
These tech giants are known for their rigorous interview processes, innovative work environments, and competitive compensation packages, yes they best pay in the world in most cases.
However, securing a position at these companies requires extensive preparation and a deep understanding of computer science fundamentals, algorithms, and system design and its almost impossible to crack them without having solid resources.
In the past, I have shared best Coding interview courses, books, websites, and interview questions and in this article, I am going to share best online courses you can join to prepare well for FAANG/MAANG interviews.
I will also share the challenges of cracking MAANG/FAANG interviews and discuss important topics and relevant resources to master them to crack any Big tech interviews.
Though, if you are in hurry and just need a course then you can start with Master the Coding Interview: Big Tech (FAANG) Interviews course by Andrei Negaoie and Yihua Zhang on Udemy.
This 37 hours course covers all key topics and also share tips to crack the coding interview at the top tech companies (Google, Amazon, Meta, Apple, Microsoft, Tesla, Netflix + others)
Why It’s difficult to Crack MAANG/FAANG Interviews?
Before we jump into top courses to crack FAANG/MAANG interviews let’s understand why its difficult to crack Big tech interviews. I think following reasons make sense why creaking into MAANG/FAANG companies is notoriously challenging:
- High competition: These companies receive thousands of applications for each open position, making the selection process extremely competitive. It’s dream companies of all software engineers that makes your competition really tough.
- Rigorous technical interviews: Candidates are expected to excel in multiple rounds of technical interviews, covering a wide range of topics from data structures and algorithms to system design and problem-solving.
- High standards: MAANG/FAANG companies maintain exceptionally high standards for their engineers, expecting top-tier problem-solving skills and technical expertise.
- Behavioral assessments: In addition to technical skills, you are also evaluated on their soft skills, cultural fit, and ability to work in fast-paced, collaborative environments.
- Constantly evolving interview processes: These companies frequently update their interview formats and questions, requiring candidates to stay current with the latest trends and best practices.
While all these reasons explains why its tough to crack FAANG or MAANG interviews, its not impossible and with a proper plan and right resource, you can definitely crack the FAANG/MAANG interviews and get your dream job.
Key Topics for MAANG/FAANG Interviews
To succeed in these interviews, candidates should be well-versed in the following areas:
- Data Structures and Algorithms
- Time and Space Complexity Analysis
- System Design and Scalability
- Object-Oriented Programming
- Database Management Systems
- Operating Systems and Networking
- Coding in at least one high-level programming language (e.g., Java, Python, C++)
- Problem-solving and Analytical Thinking
- Behavioral and Leadership Principles
These are must know topics to crack any Big tech companies. I have already written several articles covering these topics and also share resources which you can get them in the relevant link.
Now, let’s jump into a couple of these topics and find resources to prepare
1. Data Structure and Algorithms Preparation
If you are a beginner or rusty, you can start your preparation with top interview questions:
1. Blind 75 ( collection of most popular 75 coding problems on leetcode)
2. Grind 75 ( another collection of 75 programming questions — I mostly focused on this)
3. Educative-99 Java (collection of questions and coding interview patterns)
4. Algomonster — learn coding patterns which can be used to solve many Leetcode problems.
5. Practice C++ STL or Java Collections or data structure libraries in the language of your choice — essential for fast coding. You should learn how to code linked list, binary tree, graph, priority queue, heap, and other data structures.
If you are a beginner, DSA requires more than 3 months of active practice. That’s why its important to keep practicing and starting early.
2. Low Level Design (LLD)
1. Design Principles: Read “Head First Design Patterns 2nd Edition “
2. OOPs concepts should be crystal clear like Virtual Methods in C++
3. Questions: Awesome Low-Level Design — (Github repository Credits to Ashish Pratap Singh)
4. Practice question with a 45-minute timer
5. Solutions: Low-Level Design Playlist — (Credits to Soumyajit Bhattacharyay)
3. High Level Design (HLD)
High level system design is another important topic and probably the toughest to master.
- Books: Start with Alex Xu’s Volumes 1 and 2 or an ByteByteGo subscription
2. Videos: watch good YouTube channel for basic concepts of System Design Interview
3. Engage actively and try solving problems yourself like designing WhatsApp, YouTube etc
4. Mock interviews on DesignGuru.io, Exponent, Pramp and other platforms
4. CS Fundamentals
You can learn about CS Fundamental from watching GateSmashers videos
You can also see these OS courses and Database courses for further learning
5. Behavioral
This is another topic which you cannot afford to ignore:
- Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result)
2. Keep each section concise: 4–5 sentences per section so that it can be covered in the given time during interviews
3. Prepare both a detailed and a short version of your answers
5 Best Courses for MAANG/FAANG Interview Preparation in 2024
Now that we have see the topics and relevant resources, let’s now see the specially designed courses which you can use to crack FAANG and MAANG interview preparation.
- This comprehensive course covers fundamental data structures and algorithms, essential for acing technical interviews.
- Topics include arrays, linked lists, trees, graphs, sorting algorithms, and dynamic programming.
- Hands-on coding exercises in Java help reinforce concepts and improve implementation skills.
Here is the link to join this course — “Data Structures and Algorithms: Deep Dive Using Java”
2. “Grokking the System Design Interview” by Design Gurus
- This cours eis focused on system design, this course prepares you for the crucial system design round of MAANG/FAANG interviews.
- Covers scalability, load balancing, caching, and database sharding through real-world examples.
- Includes case studies of popular systems like TinyURL, Instagram, and Uber.
Here is the link to join this course — “Grokking the System Design Interview”
By the way, DesignGuru has many other Grokking courses to preapre for essential coding interview topics like OOP Design, System Design, Dynamic Programming etc and you can get access to all of their courses for a big discount by joining their All course bundle. You can also use code GURU to get 30% discount.
3. “Master the Coding Interview: Data Structures + Algorithms” by Andrei Neagoie
- This course offers a holistic approach to interview preparation, covering both technical and soft skills.
- Provides a step-by-step guide to solving algorithm questions and optimizing solutions.
- Includes mock interviews and tips on how to approach problem-solving during the actual interview.
Here is the link to join this course — “Master the Coding Interview: Data Structures + Algorithms”
Btw, you would need a ZTM membership to watch this course which costs around $39 per month but also provides access to many super engaging and useful courses like this one. You can also use coupon code FRIENDS10 to get a 10% discount on this course or any subscription you choose.
4. “The Complete SQL Bootcamp: Go from Zero to Hero” by Jose Portilla
- While not exclusively focused on MAANG/FAANG interviews, strong SQL skills are crucial for many positions at these companies.
- Covers SQL basics to advanced topics, including joins, aggregate functions, and performance tuning.
- Hands-on exercises with real-world datasets prepare you for database-related interview questions.
Here is the link to join this course — The Complete SQL Bootcamp: Go from Zero to Hero
5. Grokking the Behavioral Interview on Educative
- This course focuses on the often-overlooked behavioral aspect of MAANG/FAANG interviews.
- Teaches strategies for answering common behavioral questions and demonstrating leadership principles.
- Includes tips on crafting compelling stories and presenting yourself effectively during the interview.
- This is also a free and AI powered course.
Here is the link to join this course — Grokking the Behavioral Interview on Educative
And, if you find Educative platform and their Grokking courses like Grokking the System Design Interview, Grokking the Object-Oriented Programming interview then consider getting Educative Subscription which provides access to their 1000+ courses in just $14.9 per month. It’s very cost-effective and great for preparing for coding interviews.
Conclusion
That’s all about the best courses for FAANG/MAANG interviews in 2024. Preparing for MAANG/FAANG interviews requires dedication, perseverance, and a structured approach to learning.
The books and online courses mentioned above offer comprehensive coverage of the key topics you’ll need to master.
Remember that while these courses provide valuable resources, consistent practice and application of the concepts are crucial for success.
You should also supplement your learning with coding practice on platforms like LeetCode and HackerRank, and consider joining study groups or finding a mentor in the field.
While cracking the FAANG/MAANG interview is definitely tough but with thorough preparation and the right mindset, you can increase your chances of landing your dream job at one of these prestigious tech companies.
Other System Design Articles and Resources you may like
- Top 5 Places to learn System design and Software design
- Is DesignGuru’s System Design Course worth it
- 16 best Resources to Prepare for System Design Interview
- 100+ System Design Interview Questions and Problems
- Is Exponent’s System Design Course worth it?
- 16 Best System Design Interview Resources for Developers
- 10 Reasons to Learn System Design in 2024
- 6 Best System Design and API Design Interactive Courses
- Top 5 System Design YouTube Channels for Engineers
- 10 Best Places to Learn System Design in 2024
- How to Prepare for System Design Interview in 2024
- Is ByteByteGo really worth the hype?
- 10 Software Design Courses for Developers
- 5 Best System Design Newsletters for Interviews
- My Favorite Software Design Courses for 2024
- 3 Places to Practice System Design Mock interviews
- Is Designing Data intensive application book worth reading?
Thanks for reading this article so far. If you like this System Design interview roadmap then please share with your friends and colleagues. If you have any questions feel free to ask in comments.
P. S. — By the way, DesignGuru.io is one of the great platform for FAANG interview preparation and they have many other Grokking courses to prepare for essential coding interview topics like OOP Design, System Design, Dynamic Programming etc and you can get access to all of their courses for a big discount by joining their All course bundle. You can also use code GURU to get 30% discount.
