Overview

App Academy is an intense bootcamp. Students with a solid foundation in programming, problem-solving, and critical thinking skills tend to thrive in this environment.

This interview aims to assess your understanding of core coding concepts and problem-solving strategies to ensure you’re ready for the bootcamp.

What We Are Looking For

Our Selections team will evaluate your technical interview based on the following criteria:

• Attitude: We want to see your personality. Enthusiastic and engaged students collaborate better with others.
• Professionalism: This interview prepares you for the working world, so carry yourself accordingly.
• Understanding Problems: We want to see how well you break down problems and work toward solutions.
• Explaining Strategy and Code: Be able to explain your plan and code clearly and verbally.
• Coding Ability: We’ll assess your ability to write code fluently and solve problems successfully.
• Debugging Skills: Anticipate bugs, step through code out loud, and interpret error messages. Explain what went wrong and how to fix it.
• Pairing: You’ll solve a problem with your interviewer, which reflects how well you communicate and collaborate — key skills in our program.

How the Interview Works

The interview consists of three timed problems (15 minutes each): two solo prompts and one pair programming prompt. You’ll use JavaScript throughout the interview.

Your Admissions Specialist will send a scheduling link via YouCanBook.Me. On the day of your interview, you’ll receive a CodePair link (via HackerRank) a few minutes before the scheduled start time.

CodePair is browser-based — use Google Chrome or Firefox. You’ll need a stable internet connection, microphone, and webcam.

During the interview, do not use notes, external sources, multiple screens, or other browser windows. The interview will end if you repeatedly click away from the CodePair tab.

Solo Prompts

The first two problems are solo. You’ll solve them while your interviewer observes and takes notes.

• Explain your strategy out loud before writing code.
• As you code, describe what you’re doing and why.
• Once finished, walk through your solution line-by-line using a test case provided by the interviewer.
• Ask for permission to run your code once you’re confident in your solution.

Pairing Prompt

The third problem involves pair programming — a technique we emphasize at App Academy. You’ll take on two roles:

Navigating:

• Think through the strategy and communicate it clearly.
• Guide your partner step-by-step through the problem.
• Ensure alignment by checking in frequently.

Driving:

• Follow instructions and type code into the editor.
• Ask questions if anything is unclear.
• Do not code ahead of your partner’s instructions.

Resources to Prepare

1. View this presentation on pair programming.
2. JavaScript:
   • Complete the self-assessment: “Am I Ready for My App Academy Technical Interview?”
   • Study JavaScript on App Academy Open
   • Practice using Google Grasshopper

Tech Interview Checklist

Leading up to your interview:

• Practice problems until you can solve them in under 15 minutes without running your code until the end.
• Explain your solutions out loud — even to non-coders.
• Practice debugging and tracing variables through your code.
• Practice pair programming. Communication is more important than getting the “right” answer.
• Review the self-assessment before booking your interview.
• Make sure you have Google Chrome or Firefox installed.

On the day of your interview:

• Look for the HackerRank CodePair link in your email before your scheduled time.
• Verify your contact information is correct in case we need to reach you.
• Take a deep breath — your interviewer is excited to meet you!

We wish you the best of luck in completing the technical interview — you’ve got this!