Interview Kickstart Reviews (2023)

In this article, we will cover everything you need to know about Interview Kickstart’s courses and if they are worth enrolling into.

Interview Kickstart review

*This post is not sponsored

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Job Interviews…

Everyone wants a good job, one that pays well for your skills and has good benefits.

But, nowadays it seems like the job application process keeps extending itself, having more and more hoops for us to jump through. So, even if you are able to make it through the first (and second) sift of applicants with a great resume and have the necessary work experience, interviews are next.

We all know that doing poorly in interviews will definitively lower your chances of getting any job — doesn’t matter much of “great fit” you are for the role or how well you might look on paper if you aren’t able to convey your thoughts, skills, and processes in an interview effectively. Especially if you are in a highly competitive industry.

Improving your interview performance is crucial to get hired.

A job interview truly reveals to the recruiter whether or not you are suited to a specific role or task.

Interviewers typically look for signs to tell them how you think or approach tasks, especially when working with a team or under pressure.

Every work environment has specific ideals and goals. This directly affects how it sees potential employees. Therefore, every interview process may look or feel slightly different, although the basics are generally the same. In other words, while there may be a one-size-fits-all to most interviews, it is obvious that certain fields require more detailed tailoring to show your knowledge and ability for a specified role.

If you hope to land a job in FAANG or any other Tier-1 company, you must be able to stand out every step of the way.

So, how do propose to improve your performance at interviews? Interview Kickstart promises to do just that.

What is Interview Kickstart?

Interview Kickstart is a prep program that helps people land jobs in the tech industry. It focuses on providing programs/courses for specific categories or sub-categories of tech roles to help you excel at job interviews for that particular role.

Maybe you are struggling to get a job, or maybe you already have a job but want to negotiate better pay. This interview training program claims to help you get the best offers possible by helping you convey your worth to employers.

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interview kickstart logo

What does Interview Kickstart do?

Interview Kickstart focuses on training its students how to nail technical job interviews with companies within FAANG (Facebook, Apple, Amazon, Netflix, and Google)  and other Tier-1 companies.

The programs can last anywhere between 4 and 18 weeks, depending on the course selected and/or scheduling choice. A great thing about Interview Kickstart it has real-time virtual classes that have an accesible schedule by classes being during evenings and weekends.

Courses at Interview Kickstart

There are about 18 domain-specific courses to choose from:

  • Software Courses: Back-end Engineering, Full Stack Engineering, Front-end, Test Engineering, Ios Engineering, Android engineering, Early Engineering.
  • Tech Management Courses: Engineering Manager, Technical Program, Product Manager (tech)
  • Data Courses: Machine Learning, Data Engineering, Data Science, Data Analyst & Business Analyst.
  • Systems Courses: Embedded Systems, AWS Cloud Solutions Architect, Site Reliability Engineering, Cyber Security.

How well you are able to absorb the provided information will depend on the duration picked for your schedule. The longer the course runs, the more detailed it will be and the results expected will be generally better. Shorter courses have their benefits, but longer ones are more in-depth and extensive.

Additionally, as part of the program you will have access to mock interviews, which is objectively the best practice you can have.

Interview Kickstart has more than 500 instructors, and all of them are technical leads and hiring managers are Tier-1 companies. Their deep knowledge of the industry helps them to give an edge to students of the program above other candidates vying for the same positions, especially in the technical aspect.

interview kickstart intrcutors
Some Interview Kickstart instructors

However, you must note that Interview Kickstart does not guarantee job placements. Regardless, you are likely to receive a salary increase as graduates of the program have received a 53% average salary increase* (according to their website.)

Programs Types

Each program has a specific objective with your career goals in mind. Although most include around the same inclusions, we will go over the main differences between them below.

interview kickstart plans
and pricing
1. StepUp Program

The StepUp program is the standard version of the programs. It is meant to help you interview prep for a role at Tier 1 company. It is the shortest course where you need about two months or less to prepare.

This program does not include live sessions with instructors.

However, you still have 15 mentor sessions, mock interviews, and get the necessary assistance when applying for a job.

2. LevelUp Program

This option takes more time to complete than the StepUp program and you get live courses with instructors. In this program, there are 18 courses from which you can select the most suitable one. The LevelUp program offers 15 to 21 mentor sessions and mock interviews to all students to prepare them for their career path. 

You also have unlimited coaching sessions for career and behavioral skills, and you can customize the course to fit your schedule.

3. SwitchUp Program

This program is meant to upskill you in order to pursue a new role entirely. It takes at least 11 months to prepare and requires dedication to complete successfully since you are learning to transition into a new role.

The SwitchUp program is available for the following courses:

  • Data Science
  • Machine Learning Engineering
  • Full Stack Engineering
  • Back-end Engineering.

You will have to choose your domain while enrolling, so you will be onboarded to the right course.

You also get unlimited coaching sessions and placement assistance as with the other programs. However, the program is only available for machine learning, data science, full stack, and back-end engineering courses.

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Interview Kickstart Reviews

What is the Training and Learning Schedules at Interview Kickstart like?

The first eight weeks are evening and weekend classes that may take about three hours per day. In those training days, the students of the program can talk with instructors and other students to get a full understanding of the program and courses.

Classes move quickly and they are intense. The courses are packed with lessons, video tutorials, tests, and other activities that require you to manage your workload during the week before the next class.

Depending on the course you enroll in, the coursework may run longer than eight weeks. In some cases, it last up to sixteen weeks.

Note: This depends on a student’s chosen schedule and course of study.

After the core curriculum, students will go to the next phase, which is career coaching. 

This will take about three weeks but the demanding nature of the training remains during career coaching. The instructors take the students through the different levels of interview prep and how to correctly organize their career documents.

Once complete, you’ll move on to the supporting phase for completing any other aspect of the coursework or job searches. The support period will take about six months.

During this period, you have access to 6 to 15 one-on-one mentorship and mock interviews with instructors to increase your chances of success.


What Makes Interview Kickstart Unique from Similar Boot Camps?

Several aspects of Interview Kickstart make it unique and set it apart from other similar boot camps or programs. While there are quite a number of them, they do not all offer the experiences or opportunities that you find in Interview Kickstart.

1. Courses Are Tailored for Specific Tech Jobs

As mentioned previously, Interview Kickstart offers 18 courses in its program, and each fits a specific tech role in the industry.

There are many resources within each course; anyone you pick gives you access to the modules covering various aspects, such as Systems Design and Data Structures & Algorithms. With intense training and coaching in your chosen course, you will have an edge over other candidates in the same field or those vying for a similar position.

Examples of courses and their subdivisions

2. Mock Interviews Are Part of the Curriculum

After the intensive eight to sixteen weeks of training comprised of live classes and interactions with your instructors, you’ll undergo mock interviews. These interviews are not just your run-of-the-mill type, but they are conducted by hiring personnel and coaches from FAANG and other similar top companies. 

They already understand what the recruiters in these companies are looking for, so they know how to tailor the interview preparation. These will help to train you for what is to come, especially in your chosen field. You have access to up to at least 15 mock interviews during the duration of your program.

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Watch a real Interview Kickstart Mock Interview

3. Extensive Curriculum from the Experts

Interview Kickstart was founded by two experts in the field of hiring and recruiting for FAANG+ companies, so the foundation is solid in that area. However, they do not only rely on their expertise; they extensively consult with other hiring personnel, software engineers, and technical leads in the FAANG and Tier-1 companies to develop the curriculum. 

The curriculum is regularly updated with the latest developments in the industry to keep it relevant and impactful for all students who enroll.

4. In-depth Training from Relevant Hiring Personnel

The managers and recruiters from FAANG+ are not only tasked with developing the curriculum or keeping it up to date. They are also the instructors in the program, taking the students through the intensive training. 

With more than 500 instructors, each currently working in one of the FAANG or Tier-1 companies, you get the best and most relevant coaching for specific fields. If you attend Interview Kickstart programs, you might have an immense advantage over other applicants for the same positions because the instructors already know what is expected in the interview processes for these jobs.

Instructors include Zhuang Liang, Director of Engineering at Google and Uber, Adrian Fernandez, Engineering Manager at Google and LinkedIn, and Qiuping Xu, Principal Scientist Manager at Gopuff and Intel.

Interview Kickstart instructors
More Interview Kickstart instructors!

5. Extensive Career and Soft Skills Training

The coaching and instructions do not end with classes on developing your technical skills. The program goes further to help you with your professional brand, ensuring that you stand out from others in the same field. And one of the ways they do this is by leveraging LinkedIn.

Your profile on LinkedIn is one of the most crucial aspects in landing that job with Microsoft, Twitter, or FAANG. . 

There are also dedicated behavioral coaching sessions where the coaches take you through several aspects of your behavior during interviews. This can define whether or not you succeed in your interviews, even with the best technical skills.

In addition, you learn how to negotiate your salary with the help of the support team so you know what is the best offer when you start getting them.


Features of Interview Kickstart

Live Courses 🎥

When you compare Interview Kickstart to other interview courses that focus on prepping individuals for tech jobs, you may notice that the courses in the other programs are pre-recorded.

The same is not the case at Interview Kickstart. Live classes are only available to LevelUp and SwitchUp programs. The StepUp program does not offer this feature; you pace yourself and read on your own. Real-time classes tend to be more effective for learning than self-paced reading. People learn better when they receive lectures in real-time, as the information sticks faster in their memory, especially when the delivery is unique

UpLevel Learning Platform 🪙

You have the opportunity to work directly inside Interview Kickstart’s platform, unlike other similar courses where you make do with what you are offered outside the platform. In IK, what this means is that you can see your live learning schedule and monitor your progress.

You can also take various tests to check how well you understand what you have learned so far. Moreover, you get instant feedback and review of tests and assignments within UpLevel. There are more than 100,000 hours of past classes that you can use to improve in the necessary areas.

One-on-one Training and Feedback 👨‍💻

There are not many boot camps that offer one-on-one training with experts. This is another feature that makes IK unique. Every student gets a mentor that takes them through various aspects of their course, especially areas of difficulty.

They will also take you through different solutions to problems that may arise during your training. Your mentor will monitor your progress and give you feedback, helping you note your weak points and where you need extra attention.

Industry Experts as Instructors 🎖

IK has more than 500 instructors, most of them experts in their fields and employees at FAANG and Tier-1 companies. The instructors have between 5 to 15 years of experience in the tech field, with many of them working as hiring personnel and recruiters for these companies.

The program does not only expose you to the best of the tech experts but also gives you a chance to get an inside scoop on how these companies recruit and what they look for in applicants. The instructors do not reveal secrets, but they already know what is required. So they carefully guide you through the process in the right direction.

You do not have to be stuck with a mentor that does not deliver according to your expectations or requirements. If a mentor works in a company or field that suits your career path, you can request them as your mentor.

Relevant Interview Questions

The program has access to more than 10,000 real interview questions that are relevant to different courses within its curriculum. The instructors will guide you on the relevant ones based on their experience working as interviewers themselves. 

The questions change over time, so your mentor will be to coach you on similar questions to get you ready for whatever questions come your way.

In-depth Behavioral and Career Coaching 🤝

It does not end with live instructions and tests on your coding skills. IK also offers career and behavioral coaching, which takes you a step further in the right direction for your career path. The coaching involves helping you craft an excellent and persuasive resume, finessing your brand, and building a great LinkedIn profile and bio.

Your coaches also take you through lessons to hone your behavioral skills. Part of what makes any interview successful is the impression you make. If you stick in the minds of your interviewers in a positive light, chances are that you will get a callback.

Add these to learning how to negotiate your salary without sounding desperate, and you have a total package. It is not only about landing the best job offer or getting a much-desired promotion. It is also about getting a salary and benefits package commensurate with your skills and experience.

Courses and Pricing at Interview Kickstart

The Interview Kickstart courses are divided into four categories based on what they offer: software courses, tech management courses, data courses, and systems courses. 

1. Early Engineering
  • No placement test or interview required
  • Computer skills and knowledge of one programming language required
  • Tuition of $2,400 to $4,200

The Early Engineering course offers live classes and coaching support. The live classes run for eight weeks, while the coaching support runs for six months. You are expected to schedule between 20 and 25 hours per week for the course, although it is online and only part-time.

To enroll, you must know how to operate computer software and applications and at least one programming language. This course is the most general of all and requires the completion of a five-week Data Structures & Algorithms module. After that, you go into three weeks of career coaching comprising two masterclasses on interview strategies, optimizing your LinkedIn, and creating a solid resume. 

2. AWS Cloud Solutions Architecture
  • No placement test or interview required
  • Computer skills and knowledge of one programming language required
  • Tuition of $2,400 to $7,700

This course, also known as the Site Reliability course, offers 11 weeks of online live classes. The live classes comprise a three-week study of the Systems Design module and a five-week study of the AWS Cloud Solutions Architecture module. 

After that, you go through career coaching for three weeks, and the coaching comprises two masterclasses on interview strategies, optimizing your LinkedIn, and creating a solid resume. 

You will need to schedule 20 to 25 hours per week for the course throughout its duration, but you do not need to write a test or go through an interview to enroll. However, you must have a knowledge of one programming language and how to operate computer software and applications.

3. Security Engineering
  • No placement test or interview required
  • Computer skills and knowledge of one programming language required
  • Tuition of $2,400 to $5,900

The Security Engineering course on offer at Interview Kickstart offers live classes that run for 11 weeks and coaching support that runs for six months. There is a Security Engineering module that you will study for five weeks and a Systems Design module that runs for three weeks. After that, you have three weeks of career coaching sessions comprising two masterclasses on interview strategies, optimizing your LinkedIn, and creating a solid resume.

Every student must dedicate between 20 to 25 hours every week to the course, although it is all done online. However, it is part-time, so you do not need to spend too long on it. Moreover, you do not need to write a test or have an interview to enroll.

4. Product Manager (Tech)
  • No placement test or interview required
  • Computer skills and knowledge of one programming language required
  • Tuition of $2,400 to $7,200

This course runs for 13 weeks for the live classes. The instructors will conduct live sessions for a duration of 13 weeks, but they will divide the classes into smaller weekly sessions. The first part is a Systems Design module that you go through for 3 weeks. 

Next, your instructor takes you through a Product Management module for 6 weeks. The final class is career coaching where you have two masterclasses on interview strategies, optimizing your LinkedIn, and creating a solid resume.

Each week requires between 20 and 25 hours of classwork, but the time you dedicate to it depends on your schedule. However, all the classes are online and you do not need a written test or an interview to enroll.

5. Technical Program Manager
  • No placement test or interview required
  • Computer skills and knowledge of one programming language required
  • Tuition of $2,400 to $8,200

The Technical Program Manager course runs between 13 to 19 weeks. The first 13 weeks cover the basics, with a Systems Design module to be completed within the first three weeks, followed by a Technical Program Management module in the next six weeks. After that, you can opt to cover a technical domain course in Machine Learning, Data Engineering, or Data Science. But this comes at an additional cost outside the overall course tuition.

Whatever you choose to do, the final three weeks in the course before you go into six months of coaching support are dedicated to career coaching. This session covers two masterclasses on interview strategies, optimizing your LinkedIn, and creating a solid resume. All the classes are online and you do not need to write tests or go for an interview to enroll. However, be prepared to dedicate up to 25 hours a week to the course for the duration.

6. Engineering Manager
  • No placement test or interview required
  • Computer skills and knowledge of one programming language required
  • Tuition of $2,400 to $8,200

This course covers live classes that last between 16 and 18 weeks. After that, you have 10 months of support; this is the time you have mentorship, guidance, mock interviews, and career and behavioral skills coaching. The Engineering Manager course runs longer than the others already on the list.

The first 16 to 18 weeks dedicated to live classes are divided into a few categories. You are required to complete Data Structures & Algorithms and Systems Design modules within a few weeks. You will also cover a domain course relevant to this course within that period. Then, a career coaching workshop follows to help you learn how to negotiate your salary, build your LinkedIn profile, and learn interview strategies.

After that, there is an additional workshop where you learn conflict resolution, personal growth, and cross-functional skills. All the classes are online and you can enroll without taking tests or going for interviews. Be prepared to dedicate at least 20 hours per week to the course. You must know how to operate computer software and applications and one programming language.

7. Machine Learning
  • No placement test or interview required
  • Computer skills and knowledge of one programming language required
  • Tuition of $2,400 to $8,200

While the entire course runs for more than 11 months, the first 16 weeks are spent on live classes. These classes are for studying different modules comprising Machine Learning, Systems Design, and Data Structures & Algorithms. After that, you have three weeks for career coaching, where you build your profile on LinkedIn, learn interview strategies, and build a solid resume.

You will have the next six months for support in different aspects of the program, including mock FAANG interviews, one-on-one training and interaction with a mentor, and building your brand. All these make up a total package, but the best part is that you enroll without tests or interviews. Also, all your interactions and courses are online. Nevertheless, you will need up to 20 hours per week for classes, although you can customize it to fit your schedule.

8. Embedded Systems
  • No placement test or interview required
  • Computer skills and knowledge of one programming language required
  • Tuition of $2,400 to $7,200

The Embedded Systems course at Interview Kickstart offers live classes for 16 weeks and support for six months after the core curriculum classes. Within the 16 weeks, you will go through an Embedded Systems module for six weeks and another module on Data Structures & Algorithms for another five weeks. Another three weeks are dedicated to career coaching so you learn interview strategies, how to build your LinkedIn profile and craft a great resume.

You do not need tests or interviews to enroll. The onboarding seminar is free, and a program advisor will guide you on the next steps. All the interactions are online, including the classes, so you can attend from anywhere. But you will need at least 20 hours every week for this course. You must know how to operate computer software and applications and one programming language.

9. Data Science
  • No placement test or interview required
  • Computer skills and knowledge of one programming language required
  • Tuition of $2,400 to $7,200

Like the others, the Data Science course offers six months of extra support and it comes after 16 weeks of intensive live classes online. You will study Data Structures & Algorithms for the first five weeks, followed by seven weeks of studying Data Science. The next three weeks are for career coaching so you can master fine-tuning your LinkedIn profile, learning interview strategies, and creating a great resume.

You do not need any placement test or interview, and all the courses are included in the tuition. However, you must know one programming language, at least, and how to operate computer software and applications.

10. Data Analyst & Business Analyst
  • No placement test or interview required
  • Computer skills and knowledge of one programming language required
  • Tuition of $2,400 to $5,900

The first 16 weeks of this course are for learning to code, systems designs, and data analytics & business concepts. Three weeks of career coaching also go into these 16 weeks to complete the live classes. They are intensive, and although the course is part-time in the evenings and on weekends, it does not take less than 20 hours per week.

The next six months are for support in various areas, including having all your questions answered by a dedicated instructor. You will have tests and mock interviews with live results to help you monitor your progress. But before enrolling, you must know how to operate computer software and applications and at least one programming language. Plus, you must attend the onboarding webinar.

11. Data Engineering
  • No placement test or interview required
  • Computer skills and knowledge of one programming language required
  • Tuition of $2,400 to $7,700

This data engineering course runs for 16 weeks. Students will learn Data Structures & Algorithms, Data Engineering, and Systems Design within these weeks. Career coaching comes for the next three weeks, and students have an opportunity to build their LinkedIn profiles, learn strategies for interviews, and craft an excellent resume.

You don’t need to undergo any placement tests or interviews to join the course, but you must possess knowledge of one or more programming languages and be familiar with operating computer software and applications. Additionally, you should be ready to commit a minimum of 20 hours every week to online learning, but keep in mind that the course can be tailored to your needs.

12. Android Engineering
  • No placement test or interview required
  • Computer skills and knowledge of one programming language required
  • Tuition of $2,400 to $8,200

For 16 weeks, you will learn Data Structures & Algorithms, Android Engineering, and Systems Design. These courses are live and interactive online, and you can ask questions while in attendance. Within those 16 weeks, you will also have career coaching for your interview strategies, LinkedIn optimization, and resume creation.

As with the others, there is no requirement for a placement test or interview. However, you will need knowledge of a programming language and how to operate computer software and applications to enroll. Fortunately, everything is done online and 20 hours per week is enough to cover the outline for that week.

13. iOS Engineering
  • No placement test or interview required
  • Computer skills and knowledge of one programming language required
  • Tuition of $2,400 to $8,200

This iOS data engineering course runs for 16 weeks. Students will learn Data Structures & Algorithms, iOS Engineering, and Systems Design within these weeks. Career coaching comes for the next three weeks, and students have an opportunity to build their LinkedIn profiles, learn strategies for interviews, and craft an excellent resume.

You do not need to take any placement tests or interviews, but you should have knowledge of at least one programming language and proficiency in using computer software and applications. Moreover, you must be willing to dedicate a minimum of 20 hours each week to online learning.

14. Test Engineering
  • No placement test or interview required
  • Computer skills and knowledge of one programming language required
  • Tuition of $2,400 to $5,900

The Test Engineering course from Interview Kickstart extensively covers a Test Engineering module in six weeks and a Data Structures & Algorithms module in five weeks. Next is a three-week period for career coaching to hone your interview strategies, craft an excellent resume, and build your LinkedIn profile.

After this period, you will get support for every aspect of the program, including coaching or interviews, tests, and getting your questions answered. All the interactions are online and you do not need placement tests or interviews. Additionally, the entire cost of the course is included in the overall tuition.

15. Front-end Engineering
  • No placement test or interview required
  • Computer skills and knowledge of one programming language required
  • Tuition of $2,400 to $7,700

For 16 weeks, Interview Kickstart offers a Front-end engineering course covered in live classes. You will have access to Front-end Engineering, System Design, and Data Structures & Algorithms modules for the entire course. After that, you will go into an extra three weeks of career coaching to cover other aspects of the program.

Knowledge of at least one programming language and computer skills are a prerequisite for enrolling. But you will not need tests or interviews for placements. All your classes and sessions are online, including the support sessions for various aspects of the program.

16. Full Stack Engineering
  • No placement test or interview required
  • Computer skills and knowledge of one programming language required
  • Tuition of $2,400 to $8,200

For 20 to 25 hours every week for 16 weeks, you will go through several modules to cover this course in the Interview Kickstart program. There are Full Stack engineering modules, System Design modules, and Data Structures & Algorithms modules. These modules will take more than 12 weeks to complete, but after that, you will have an additional three weeks for career coaching.

The rest of the program will be dedicated to supporting students in personal study, mock interviews, and other aspects. There are coaching sessions for career and behavioral skills. Ensure you have at least 20 hours per week for the duration of the course, all online, although placement does not require tests or interviews.

17. Back-end Engineering
  • No placement test or interview required
  • Computer skills and knowledge of one programming language required
  • Tuition of $2,400 to $8,200

This course runs for 16 weeks and different modules are covered in this period. You have the Back-end Engineering module, Data Structures & Algorithms module, and Systems Design module to cover, followed by a three-week career coaching period. Within these three weeks, you can optimize your LinkedIn profile, write a better resume, and learn interview strategies.

You will spend about 20 hours a week on the course throughout its duration, and all of the classes are online. You will also need to have computer skills and know at least one programming language.

These courses are different from other key aspects of the program which are:

  • Domain training
  • Behavioral interview prep
  • Mock interviews
  • Coding
  • Lifelong learning
  • Systems design
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Payment Options and Methods

Interview Kickstart offers prospective students the option of paying upfront. The average fee is $5,600, although some courses are less expensive than others.

You can withdraw within the first week of enrolment and get a full refund if the course is not what you want. After the first week, however, the money becomes non-refundable.

Trial Fee

There is another option of paying a trial fee of $600 before the full payment. This trial fee allows you to check out the program and see if it is a good fit for your needs. You can join the course of choice and learn for some time in this trial period, but you also have the option of withdrawing without paying the full $5,600 tuition.

However, that means you forfeit the $600 trial fee; it is non-refundable. If you opt to continue, it means you pay a total of $6,200 instead of $5,600.

Installments

Interview Kickstart also offers installment payment options. You can break the full tuition and pay anywhere between three to twelve months.

The methods of payment are usually online. You can make a bank transfer to the provided account number, use a debit or credit card to pay. Alternatively, you can use a loan financing option, but you must speak with the management to determine the best loan partners to use. The program does not accept checks or cash payments

Interview Kickstart Refund Policy

Interview Kickstart offers the following:

“50% Money-back Guarantee*. If you do well in our course but still don’t land a domain-relevant job within the post-program support period, we’ll refund 50% of the tuition you paid for the course.”

You can read more about this refund policy and how it works here.

Enrollment Requirements

The first and most important enrollment requirement is to attend the pre-enrollment webinar that runs for every new session. You must register before attending, and registration is the first indication of your interest. 

The webinar is free, but you get a bird’s eye view of what Interview Kickstart is and the course that suits your career path. A program advisor will be assigned to reach you and discuss further if you want to join. They can guide you on the right path if you are unsure of which course to take. 

But nothing happens and you do not get access to the full course until you make payment. It must not be the full tuition, but a monetary commitment gets you started. Only after payment will you receive a notification of acceptance and be onboarded for your classes.

filling out form 
person

Does Interview Quickstart Offer Free Courses?

The only “free course” available is the introductory webinar.

In order to attend, you have to do is provide your name, phone number, a brief description of your chosen career path, and your email address. The webinar is usually on Zoom and runs for at least 90 minutes.

It is crucial to attend this webinar if you are seriously considering the Interview Kickstart program. It comprises all the details and answers key questions that will help you decide whether or not it is a good fit and which course works best.

Pros and Cons of Interview Kickstart

There are several advantages to attending the Interview Kickstart program, as well as some downsides.

Pros

  • Up to 11 programming languages are available
  • Guaranteed success or 50% refund
  • Availability of numerous specialized courses
  • Live classes and coaching sessions
  • Room to select a preferred instructor
  • Career coaching and workshops for LinkedIn bios and resumes
  • Opportunity to learn salary negotiation, interview strategies, and behavioral skills
  • Access to real interview questions
  • Customizable programs
  • Available at your convenience

Cons

  • Cost intensive
  • Not feasible to pay for an entire course if you need only one area
  • Very Fast-Paced
  • No direct internships or job placements
  • Hard to asses cost/ inclusions/ other terms or crucial information from their website itself.
  • Very High Trial fee

Reviews from Users

There are lots of positive reviews about the Interview Kickstart program from the alums. At the same time, there are also negative reviews.

Positive Reviews

“Awesome learning environment. The teachers have been both knowledgeable and helpful and the prerecorded content is clear and excellent for me as well. It’s been great for me I am happy I joined.”

“My experience with IK has been nothing short of incredible. With its structured and time-bound program, IK helped me make effective use of my limited preparation time. The exposure to FAANG+ faculty and interviewers was immensely helpful in orienting my preparation and building confidence. I am happy that I chose IK and transitioned into a FAANG company.”

Negative Reviews

There seemed to be a consensus on the fast-paced nature of the program. The tight schedule and timeline in which to cover so many courses were not very convenient. But the support period more than makes up for it.

Trutpilot Review of Interview Kickstart
Review by User at Trustpilot

Is Interview Kickstart Worth It?

Although the premise of the program is good and works relatively well, it is hard to determine any of their critical information from their own website. This by itself raises red flags, since it is makes it very easy for someone to misinterpret what they are getting themselves into and if it will actually work for them.

Although they do have a fair reputation in the market, there are other services that offer relatively the same services for a more affordable cost and with a more up-front approach.

If you are able to keep up with the fast pace and have the time to really devote to the program, which will require quite a bit of self studying, then I would still consider you asses other options before committing. The webinar is good way to get to understand the program better, but, remember that at the end of the day you are watching a 90 minute ad, and that’s why they got you there with the cryptic website information in the first place.

Regardless, real people have had great results from programs within Interview Kickstart. The practices and pace might come down to an individualistic preference, but the cost isn’t. The $600 Trial Fee by itself is a joke (pardon my bluntness) when it doesn’t even count toward your tuition if you decide to stay.

Interview Kickstart Review: Overpriced

Penny. S

Price
Quality
Difficulty level (Hard – Easy)
Course Variety
3.1

FAQs

Does Interview Kickstart have a job guarantee?

No, interview Kickstart does not offer you a job guarantee or placement. In order to make up for the lack of a job guarantee, they state in their website: “50% Money-back Guarantee*. If you do well in our course but still don’t land a domain-relevant job within the post-program support period, we’ll refund 50% of the tuition you paid for the course.”

How long does Interview Kickstart take?

There is no particular timeframe that fits all the courses; the duration depends on the chosen course. Some last only eight weeks, while others last between 13 to 19 weeks, with many stopping around 16 weeks. But after the core curriculum, all the courses generally have a six-month support period.

Is Interview Kickstart any good?

The program is good if you are looking to land a tech job or advance to new roles in FAANG+. It is fast-paced and intensive, and it is a cost-intensive program. But many graduates attest to the efficacy and results, with an average of about 53% salary increase.

What is the interview process like?

There are usually three rounds of questions and one assignment to check your creative and critical thinking problem-solving capacity. It starts with a phone screening where the interviewer evaluates whether or not you are a suitable candidate. The rest of the interview checks your skills to see how well they fit the role for which you applied. A coding interview is usually rigorous.

What is the process of getting into Interview Kickstart?
  • Attend the webinar, which lasts around90 minutes
  • Pick a course or have a program advisor guide you further
  • Pay the tuition through the verified payment platforms
  • Get familiarised with the course materials
  • Begin classes at the stipulated time
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