What do you do if your logical reasoning skills are lacking in technical interviews?

1 Brush Up Basics

Before diving into complex problem-solving, ensure your foundational knowledge is solid. In computer engineering, understanding the basics of data structures, algorithms, and programming concepts is crucial. Revisit these core areas and practice coding exercises that reinforce your understanding. Utilize online resources or textbooks to review theories and principles. By strengthening your base, you'll increase your confidence and improve your ability to apply logical reasoning to more advanced technical problems.

2 Practice Puzzles

Logical reasoning is like a muscle that gets stronger with use. Engage in brain-training activities such as puzzles, logic games, and brainteasers regularly. These exercises can enhance your problem-solving skills and help you recognize patterns and logical sequences. Websites and apps dedicated to such puzzles can provide a fun and effective way to sharpen your mind. By incorporating these into your daily routine, you can gradually improve your logical reasoning abilities.

3 Study Solutions

When preparing for interviews, don't just focus on getting the right answer; study the reasoning behind solutions. Analyze solved examples and understand how others approach problems. This can provide insights into different problem-solving techniques and the logical steps involved in reaching a solution. By studying various solutions, you can learn to dissect problems effectively and develop a structured approach to tackling technical questions.

4 Simulate Interviews

Simulate the interview environment by practicing with mock interviews. This can help you get accustomed to the pressure and format of technical interviews. Find a study buddy or mentor who can role-play as the interviewer and provide feedback on your reasoning process. This practice can help you identify areas of weakness and improve your thought process under interview conditions. Remember, the goal is not just to answer questions correctly but to demonstrate a clear and logical approach to problem-solving.

5 Seek Feedback

Feedback is a powerful tool for improvement. After each interview or practice session, seek constructive feedback on your performance, specifically on how you applied logical reasoning to problems. Understanding where you went wrong or what you could have done better helps you to refine your approach. Engage in discussions with peers or mentors who can provide a different perspective on your problem-solving methods and suggest ways to enhance your logical reasoning skills.

6 Stay Calm

Lastly, managing stress and staying calm during interviews is essential for clear thinking. Anxiety can cloud your logical reasoning abilities, so it's important to develop techniques to maintain composure. Practice deep breathing, positive visualization, or any other stress-reduction methods that work for you. Being calm allows you to think more clearly and systematically, which is crucial when facing complex technical questions.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?