How do you properly learn technicals so that you don’t forget it?
I am hoping to get advice on prepping for technical interviews, I find that after a few months I seem to have forgotten some of the points and have to go back and brush up again but then it feels like I’m just memorizing. Meanwhile my friends can go out the night before their interviews and still do really well. I feel like I’m doing something wrong but don’t have the time to go through it slowly
To properly learn technicals and retain them effectively, here’s what the most helpful WSO content suggests:
Memorize and Understand the Material: Start by thoroughly memorizing all the questions and answers from a comprehensive interview guide. If your guide is less than 60 pages, it’s likely not detailed enough. The Wall Street Oasis Technical Interview Guide is highly recommended. However, don’t stop at memorization—go one layer deeper to understand the "why" and the underlying concepts behind each answer. This deeper understanding will help you retain the material longer and apply it flexibly.
Practice Out Loud: Reading or watching videos isn’t enough. Practice explaining concepts out loud, as if you’re in the interview. Walk through scenarios, such as how the three financial statements change given a specific transaction. This active engagement helps solidify your knowledge and prepares you to articulate answers under pressure.
Mock Interviews: Conduct mock interviews with friends, family, or even by yourself. Record yourself or practice in front of a mirror. This will help you identify areas where you sound unsure or robotic. The goal is to polish your delivery so it’s smooth and confident, not mechanical.
Focus on Key Points and Transitions: Instead of memorizing scripts, focus on understanding the key points of each answer and practice polished transitions between them. This approach ensures you can adapt your answers to different questions without sounding rehearsed.
Consistency Over Time: To avoid forgetting technicals, make it a habit to review and practice regularly, even when you’re not actively interviewing. This consistent reinforcement will help you retain the material long-term.
Simulate Real Pressure: Practice answering questions under time constraints or in high-pressure settings. This will help you stay composed and articulate during actual interviews.
Don’t Compare Yourself to Others: Everyone learns differently. While your friends might seem to perform well with minimal prep, their approach might not work for you. Focus on what helps you feel confident and prepared.
By combining these strategies, you’ll move beyond rote memorization and develop a deeper, more lasting understanding of technical concepts. Remember, practice and consistency are key!
Sources: Superday Advice From a Tired Interviewer, Superday Advice From a Tired Interviewer, SA Interview Prep Techniques, Gekko's Guidance (10 Rules to Interviewing) - Part 1 of ?, The 24 Interview Lessons I Learned on the Way to Getting My First Full Time Job
How is that still the problem as an analyst? Is the deal exposure lacking? Understandable if you are at a lower tier BB though.
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