Pramp

How it works

Pramp describes a three-step process:

1. You say when you want to practise and what type of interview, and it pairs you with a peer.
2. You interview each other in a collaborative editor over video, typically for 30 to 45 minutes each.
3. After the session you both give feedback to help each other improve.

Whoever is interviewing receives the question, the expected solution and hints to offer, so neither of you needs to prepare questions. Interview types listed on the site are data structures and algorithms, system design, behavioural, frontend, product management and data science.

What changed

As of July 2024, all new Pramp sessions are hosted on Exponent Practice, and Exponent has since rebranded as Aced. The Pramp site states that it is still free. Expect to sign up for an Aced account to book sessions.

Why peer practice works better than expected

Being the interviewer is the underrated half. Watching someone else go quiet on a problem you can see the answer to shows you exactly what silence looks like from the other side of the table. Most people start narrating their thinking far more after two or three sessions, which is one of the biggest improvements you can make before a real loop.

Speaking aloud, handling a hint gracefully and managing time are skills that solo practice on a judge does not build.

The limitation to plan around

Your partner is another candidate, not a trained interviewer. Their level, preparation and feedback quality vary widely. Use Pramp to build fluency and reduce nerves; use a paid mock with an experienced interviewer (for example interviewing.io) when you need an accurate read on whether you would pass.

How to get the most from it

• Do at least five sessions before judging it. The first one or two are often awkward.
• Prepare properly for the interviewer role. Read the question and solution before the call so you can give useful hints.
• Write down one thing to fix after each session, such as clarifying the problem before coding or testing with an example.
• Try different interview types. Behavioural and system design mocks with a peer are useful even if you are mainly preparing for coding.
• Mind time zones. Candidates in Pakistan can find partners, but some slots fall late at night; pick weekend times where possible.

Best for: early and middle preparation, especially for anyone who has never solved a problem out loud in front of another person.