Is LeetCode Actually Necessary for Getting Hired in 2025?

Ditch the Grind, Focus on This Instead ⬇️

I see you.

You’re staring at your screen, drowning in LeetCode problems.
One minute, you’re solving “Reverse a Linked List.”
The next, you’re spiraling down a DP rabbit hole, questioning all your life choices.

“Do I really need to do this?”

“What if I just... don’t?”

Let’s talk about it.

The Problem

On one side, there’s you—a fresh software engineer, ML enthusiast, or data science hopeful.

On the other hand, your dream company is looking for brilliant engineers to solve real-world problems.

And right in the middle?

A wall of LeetCode problems, coding screens, and algorithmic puzzles that seem impossible to break through.

You scroll through LinkedIn.

Everyone seems to be grinding LeetCode.
“Did 500+ problems and finally landed my FAANG offer!”

So you panic.

You tell yourself you need to:

• Solve at least 300 LeetCode questions.

• Master all DP variations.

• Somehow, memorize every graph algorithm in existence.

But here’s the real question:

Is this actually necessary?

The 2025 Hiring Reality

Let’s get one thing straight.

LeetCode is not going away.

Big tech companies—Meta, Google, Amazon—still love DSA-style interviews.
If you’re targeting FAANG, LeetCode is still the game.

However, not every company follows the same rules.

Do ALL Companies Care About LeetCode?

Short answer: Nope.

Startups? Many prefer practical coding skills over abstract DSA wizardry.

Machine Learning & Data Science roles? More about SQL, statistics, and ML case studies than brute-force algorithm puzzles.

Backend & Full-Stack Engineering? They care more about real-world system design than how fast you traverse a binary tree.

So, if you’re only applying to FAANG?
LeetCode is non-negotiable.

But if you’re targeting mid-sized companies, startups, or industry roles?
There’s another way.

Can You Get Hired Without LeetCode?

Absolutely.

Instead of grinding 500+ LeetCode problems, focus on things that make you stand out:

• Build real projects. Have something on GitHub that shows you can solve real-world problems.

• Network smartly. A strong referral can help you skip the initial LeetCode filtering.

• Master what matters. Know your tech stack inside out instead of memorizing random sorting algorithms.

The Smarter Strategy for 2025

Here’s what works better than just brute-force LeetCoding:

1️⃣ Targeted LeetCode practice—only for companies that require it.
2️⃣ Build & showcase projects—proving real-world skills beats solving random puzzles.
3️⃣ System design & problem-solving—especially for mid/senior roles.
4️⃣ Use referrals & networking—skip the LeetCode grind when possible.

TL;DR? You don’t need to do 500+ LeetCode problems to get hired.

But if you’re aiming for FAANG? You still need to play the game.

Final Verdict: Should You Grind LeetCode?

👉 If you’re targeting big tech → Yes, LeetCode is essential.
👉 If you’re applying to startups, fintech, or smaller companies → Not always.
👉 If you’re a data scientist/ML engineer → Focus on SQL, ML system design, and real-world case studies instead.

So before you commit to months of LeetCode hell, ask yourself:

“What does my dream company test?”

Prepare smart, not hard.

What’s your take? Have you landed a job without LeetCode?
Drop a comment and let’s discuss!