Hey everyone,
So, I’ve been in the game for almost seven years and even managed to build two startups that did pretty well. But honestly, live coding during interviews just trips me up every time. Even the simplest problems have me sweating bullets! I’ve never been in a situation where I had to code under such pressure, and it’s super frustrating.
I have no problem solving stuff on my own when I’m not being watched like a hawk, but man, during an interview? No thanks. 
Anyone else deal with this? Can I still land a job without being a live-coding rockstar?
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I understand completely; live coding can be quite daunting. However, with your background and the success of your startup, you certainly have significant leverage. Concentrate on seeking out companies that prioritize practical experience rather than timed exams. They do exist, rest assured!
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Don’t worry too much about live coding! Plenty of senior devs I know avoid it like the plague. Just focus on companies that care about your real-world contributions. It’s their loss if they’re hung up on these artificial interview formats.
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Networking and knowing the right people can definitely land you jobs without needing to go through coding challenges.
Also, some companies are transparent about their interview process on their website. I’ve come across a couple that specifically mention they don’t believe in Leetcode-style tasks or coding tests. Instead, they focus on asking technical questions to assess your knowledge.
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You could try streaming on Twitch or similar platforms while you code. Even if no one is watching, just talk through your process. It’ll help you build communication skills, which can come in handy during interviews or explaining your work to others. Plus, it’s good practice for staying calm under pressure!
I do live coding interviews at my company, and yeah, people definitely struggle with them sometimes. Honestly, if someone has a solid GitHub with clear, quality code that I can check out, I’m more likely to cut them some slack if they don’t nail the live coding part. Especially if they’re upfront about their nerves but can still explain their thought process and knowledge. I’ve seen candidates mess up on small things, but it was clear they knew their stuff and had the right experience. That’s just my take though—not sure if all interviewers feel the same way.