I'm an experienced sysadmin with 15 years in the field, and I'm facing challenges in the current job market. Many companies are asking for coding skills, and I just can't seem to crack the coding interviews. The Leetcode challenges I've tried feel completely out of sync with my actual experience using Python at work, and I'm frustrated even with the 'easy' ones. I've been working through the "Python Data Structures & Algorithms + LEETCODE Exercises" course on Udemy, but I still struggle to recognize the patterns in the Leetcode problems. Am I on the wrong track? How should I approach my studying? Do I need to consider switching careers at 40 and pursuing something entirely different, like farming?
5 Answers
It sounds like the problem might lie with HR's expectations. They often ask for technical tests to quickly narrow down candidates, sometimes without fully understanding what 'technical' entails. The good news is that most coding challenges use a small variety of core questions, and once you recognize those patterns, you'll find that you can tackle them more easily. So, learning those recurring patterns could be your best bet!
I've been in similar shoes—felt qualified and performed well in early interviews, but couldn't get past the coding tests. Honestly, if a company uses them as a primary filter, it might reflect their hiring practices more than it reflects your skills. I got lucky by answering a coding test with a Bash script instead of Python, and that impressed the interviewers!
Don't just memorize the algorithms; focus on common problems instead. Look for resources that compile the most frequently asked Leetcode questions and their solutions—this can help you prepare effectively without needing to invent new solutions on the fly. Also, coding interviews may evolve soon given the advancements in AI.
The rise of talented sysadmins who can code means that passing these assessments has become crucial if you want to stand out. Having solid scripting skills is valuable, especially in teams where automation is vital for efficiency and reliability.
It's true! Working in a cutting-edge tech environment, even non-development roles expect some level of coding expertise when it comes to operations and automation.
If you're aiming for DevOps positions, be prepared for a lot of coding assessments. The job market is quite competitive right now, with many candidates capable of solving those problems. The questions aren't usually difficult, but you'll need some dedicated practice to master them; it's going to take a few months of hard work to feel confident.
I've had my fair share of interviews where I thought I was a great fit until the coding test. I realized if they rely heavily on these tests, it might indicate a misunderstanding of the actual role.
It is not always about coding assessments for DevOps roles. They focus more on practical skills like API integrations and automation using Bash or similar tools.
I think there's more to it than just HR. If you can't code, it will be tough to stay employed in tech roles moving forward. Prepare for coding assessments or find ways to use Leetcode to your advantage, even if it feels unrealistic.