How to Whiteboard Code in an Interview

Short answer

Whiteboard coding requires clear thinking, neat handwriting, and verbal explanation. Treat the whiteboard as a collaborative tool, not a test.

Steps

1. Clarify the problem and constraints before writing.
2. Talk through your approach and ask if the interviewer agrees.
3. Start with pseudocode or a high-level plan.
4. Write legibly and leave space for corrections.
5. Walk through your code with an example to verify correctness.

Tips

• Do not rush; pauses to think are acceptable.
• Acknowledge trade-offs and mention alternatives.
• If stuck, ask for a hint rather than staying silent.

Common issues

• Illegible handwriting makes it hard for interviewers to follow.
• Skipping test cases leads to undiscovered bugs.