LayoffReady
Curated DSA tracks and design interviews with brute force to optimal Java solutions, dry runs and interview tips.
Why LayoffReady
In these uncertain times, when companies are laying off people in large numbers, things can feel overwhelming. If you've been affected, remember it isn't a verdict on your ability. Plenty of strong engineers are back in the market, often facing interviews they didn't plan for, and knowing where to start is half the battle.
LayoffReady gives you quick, focused resources to get back in shape and start applying with confidence: the patterns that crack most coding questions, curated problem lists from a quick 75-problem sprint to a full 300-problem reset, design walkthroughs, and hand-picked reads on resumes, job search and negotiation. Everything is free, needs no sign-up, and saves your progress privately on your device.
Skim the cheat sheets: DSA patterns, Java syntax, SQL, CS fundamentals and more.
Open the cheat sheets →Start with Blind 75, then go deeper with Pattern Wise 150 or 300.
Start Blind 75 →Polish your resume, prep your stories and negotiate well with our good reads.
Browse good reads →Three curated problem lists with brute force to optimal Java solutions. Start with Blind 75, then go pattern by pattern with 150 or the full 300.
Architecture walkthroughs for large-scale systems, plus object-oriented machine-coding rounds with clean Java.
Tech Interview Handbook (Yangshun Tay)
A free end-to-end roadmap of the whole hiring process, from resume and applications through coding, system design, behavioral rounds, and offers. A great first stop to build a structured prep plan when you are restarting your search.
Sean Prashad
A free, filterable problem list grouped by underlying technique (sliding window, two pointers, BFS/DFS, DP, and more). Ideal for practicing by pattern rather than grinding random problems.
Donne Martin (GitHub)
The most widely used free system design reference, covering scalability building blocks, trade-offs, and worked design exercises with Anki flashcards. A strong backbone for any system design study plan.
The Pragmatic Engineer (with Steve Huynh)
A long-time Amazon Bar Raiser shares what strong behavioral answers from engineers have in common and the mistakes that sink otherwise solid candidates. Rare, detailed insight from the interviewer's side of the table.
Will Larson (Irrational Exuberance)
Grounded advice for engineers navigating their first economic downturn, covering equity, job stability, when to switch, and how to think about the next couple of years. Calm, practical perspective when the market feels uncertain.
Patrick McKenzie (Kalzumeus)
The definitive free essay on negotiating engineering offers, including why to avoid naming a number first and how to negotiate on the whole package. Read it before any compensation conversation.