If you’re looking for IT jobs in North America, many companies use Hackerrank to test your skills. It’s different from regular interviews because it focuses on coding online and solving problems fast. For international students, getting used to this kind of test can be tough.
Hackerrank has lots of different question types. Besides algorithms and data structures, you might get questions about strings, arrays, or even databases. Different companies and jobs ask different kinds of questions. So, before you start practicing, find out what your job needs and focus on those topics instead of just doing random problems.
One big challenge is the time limit. You usually have to finish several questions within a set time, so your code needs to be right and fast. When you practice, try to time yourself like it’s the real test. This helps avoid silly mistakes when you get nervous.
Use the programming language you know best. This way, you make fewer mistakes and spend less time fixing bugs. Hackerrank doesn’t always ask for comments or super clean code, but clear and simple code will help the people checking your work. Try writing a simple solution first, then improve it step by step.
After the online test, there’s often a phone or in-person interview. The interviewer may ask you to fix code on the spot or explain your thinking. When you practice, don’t just focus on getting the right answer—try to understand the ideas behind the problems. Also, practice explaining your solutions out loud. This will help a lot in interviews.
Overall, Hackerrank tests are not just about coding skills but also about how well you handle pressure and explain your logic. Knowing the test format, managing your time, writing clear code, and staying calm can help you do well. For international students, preparing carefully is key. Doing problems is just part of it—really understanding them and learning is what makes a difference.
Release time:2025-05-22
