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Interview Coach

Mock Loop

Timed thinking on this page. Implementation in blank Xcode. Cursor only for debrief.

Drill A · Coding thinking (25 min)

25:00

Prompt (pick one)

  1. LRU Cache - get/put O(1), capacity eviction
  2. Valid parentheses - multiple bracket types
  3. Two sum - return indices; discuss map vs sort+pointers

On this page (first 8-10 min)

  • Restate problem + constraints
  • Brute force, then better plan
  • Structure choice and why
  • Edge cases
  • Complexity

Then

Implement in a blank Swift file / playground with no Cursor. Narrate out loud.

Cursor debrief (after timer):
Here is my timed plan and final code for [problem]. Critique like an Apple interviewer on: structure choice, edges, naming, what I should say sooner next time.

Drill B · API design (15 min)

15:00

Fill the template for: empty / loading / error wrapper OR measurement overlay.

  1. Problem (one sentence)
  2. Caller writes (ideal call site)
  3. Hidden internals
  4. Defaults
  5. Hard no
  6. Edge cases + a11y
  7. Why not alternative B

Drill C · Project deep dive (10 min)

10:00

Record a voice memo answering:

  • Walk through Takeoff or Cursor Widget architecture
  • Hardest UI/performance bug and fix
  • SwiftUI vs AppKit/UIKit choices
  • One component you would publish as an API - call site?

Day 7 full mock

  1. Drill A (25)
  2. Drill B (15)
  3. Drill C (10)
  4. 10 min rest + Cursor debrief on A only

Definition of ready: clear talk track, LRU explain under 60s, one project story with tradeoffs.

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