Cracking FAANG: The Most Detailed, Actionable Advice (Reddit Wisdom)

Inspired by hundreds of first-hand tips and lived experiences from the r/leetcode thread: "If you're in FAANG (or cracked it), what's the ONE tip you'd give to someone aiming for it?"

Compiled with gratitude to the r/leetcode community. Credited tips belong to their original authors—visit the original Reddit thread for raw experiences and additional discussion!

Introduction

FAANG jobs are a dream for many engineers—but the true "golden nuggets" for success are rarely found in generic guides. This blog pulls together hundreds of upvotes and expert voices, capturing specific, practical advice you can act on today. Real engineers, actual interviewees, and ex-FAANG developers shared these as the one thing they wish they knew earlier.

1. Don't Blindly Grind—Seek Real DSA Understanding

"Every time you complete a DSA question, explain it to yourself and dry run it with an example. That builds your intuition and your ability to explain stuff."
— [Nibbawithniggi]

Don't chase big counts (1,000+ LeetCode): The consensus is 150–200 well-selected questions (Striver Sheet, Blind 75, Neetcode 150) is more effective.
Quality beats quantity: Learn the patterns, the why behind each approach—not just the fastest solution.
Learn by teaching: If you can't explain a solution on a piece of paper or to a friend, you don't fully know it.

2. Retention Is Critical—Use Spaced Repetition

"You want to not only understand, but retain what you learn. The forgetting curve is real—spaced repetition from day one will save you from having to re-learn weeks of prep."
— [drCounterIntuitive]

Take notes, maintain a summary doc, and revisit both problems and concepts regularly (weekly or bi-weekly).
Use apps or sticky notes on your study wall—keep your approaches visible, and update them.
Summarize what you've learned, especially for patterns and edge cases.

3. Skill Plateau Is Normal—Consistency Matters

"Initially you won't be able to solve new problems easily—your brain needs time to see and internalize patterns. But once you finish about 150 good questions, things 'click.' Be consistent and find a mentor or coding buddy if you can."
— [Nibbawithniggi]

Slow progress at the start is normal. Don't get discouraged.
Make prep part of your life, not a burnout speed run.

4. Interviewing Is Communication—Not Just Problem Solving

"I solved 2500+ problems, but in the interview, I realized I struggled to explain my approach out loud."
— [No-Rope-1977]

Practice live communication: Say your steps out loud as you solve. Mock interviews (recordings or partners) are invaluable.
Signal matters: Your interviewer is collecting data points, not trying to trick you. Honest communication, clarifying assumptions, and discussing tradeoffs are key.
Don't rush to code: Spend time understanding the question, discussing clarifications, and listing approaches.

5. Behavioral Prep—Amazon and System Design Rounds

"At Amazon, behavioral questions (leadership principles) are just as important, or even harder, than tech rounds. Prepare stories, rehearse them, and expect follow-ups."
— [BakuraGorn]

Write and rehearse STAR-format experiences.
Study company values, and connect your stories to them.
Both behavioral and technical strengths are needed—don't neglect one for the other.

6. Networking > Mass Applications

"Your best bet for getting an interview is a referral or recruiter—applications rarely get a response. Networking is your best ticket."
— [reddituser48253]

Optimize LinkedIn: Keep your profile current, network with engineers and recruiters.
Make friends, help others, and be generally pleasant—connections often lead to referrals.
Attend coding clubs, meetups, or find a Discord accountability group.

7. Don't Wait for Perfection—Apply Even if "Not Ready"

"You will never feel fully prepared. As long as you can solve most problems, give it a shot. Don't postpone applying just because you want to do more problems first."
— [Own-Marzipan-2167]

Balance prep time with sending out job applications, tailored resumes, and making sure you're ready for hiring spikes.

8. Luck and Timing: Accept the Role of Chance

"There's always some luck: interviewer mood, recent hiring bursts, your resume being seen. Keep applying and stay persistent!"
— [Intrepid-Bee155]

Don't be demotivated by rejections. Many people succeed after dozens or hundreds of applications.
Take advantage of periods when companies are hiring at scale.

9. FAANG Isn't Everything—Find What Works for You

"FAANG isn't the only top. I make more today outside FAANG, and work-life balance is better. Don't put these companies on a pedestal."
— [dcent12345]

Define your goals: High pay, great culture, startup learning, or a prestigious logo—what's best for you?
Alternatives may offer better growth, less bureaucracy, and more impact.

10. Other Tactical Tips

Modify your resume to match job descriptions; don't use the same CV everywhere.
Regularly study recently-asked questions (LeetCode Discuss).
Make a one-liner solution doc to revise every few days—helps with muscle memory and standard problems.
Don't ignore low-level system design if aiming for senior roles.

What Not to Do

Don't obsess over hitting huge LeetCode counts for the sake of numbers.
Don't skip learning the fundamentals (easy questions) if you're not ready for mediums/hards.
Don't try to "game" LinkedIn for referrals. Build genuine connections.
Don't stress over a single company—cast a wide net.
Don't ignore your communication and interview "signal."

Conclusion: Your FAANG Journey Is Unique

No two journeys look alike, and there's no single "hack." If you focus on deliberate learning, honest communication, strategic networking, and consistent action—you massively increase your odds. Remember to check your motivations and enjoy the ride.

Which tip resonated most with you? Comment below or share your own story—let's build a more honest roadmap for everyone!