Brute-forcing my algorithmic ignorance with an LLM in 7 days

blog.dominikrudnik.pl
March 22, 2026
19 min read
51/100
Summary
A candidate received an unexpected email from Google regarding a job application submitted a year prior. The candidate is preparing for two upcoming online interviews, one technical and one behavioral.
Key Takeaways
- The author received an interview opportunity from Google after a year of applying, prompting a need to prepare for technical and behavioral interviews.
- The author recognized a significant knowledge gap in algorithmic concepts and decided to use a Large Language Model as a learning tool to prepare for the interviews.
- The preparation strategy focused on identifying algorithmic patterns rather than solving problems directly, due to time constraints and prior unsuccessful attempts at learning algorithms.
- The author aimed to learn through conceptual hints and real-world examples, avoiding code output during the learning sessions with the AI.
Coverage & discussions
Hacker News · blog.dominikrudnik.pl
Community discussions
Historical count: 5 · 5 saved in sample · Historical sample
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Community Sentiment
Positives
- Using LLMs for personalized learning can surpass traditional courses, as they adapt to individual progress and needs, potentially revolutionizing education.
- LLMs have the potential to significantly impact the educational landscape, forcing educators to adapt to a new reality where AI can provide tailored support.
Concerns
- The article lacks detail on how interview tasks were generated, raising questions about the reliability of the methods used.
- There is a disconnect between understanding concepts and applying them under pressure, highlighting limitations in relying solely on LLMs for learning.
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