Round 1: Data Structures and Algorithms
Questions:
In addition to the coding problems, three puzzle questions were asked:
- There are a 5-litre and a 3-litre jug. How will you measure exactly 4 litres of water using them?
- A wire burns in 1 hour, but it burns non-uniformly. You have two such wires. How will you measure 45 minutes using them?
- A farmer has a plot of land in the shape of an L. How will you divide it between his three sons so that each one gets an equally-shaped piece with the same area?
Candidate's Approach
The candidate had solved over 800 medium-level Leetcode questions, which helped in tackling the problems efficiently. The interviewer provided hints when needed, facilitating smoother problem-solving. The candidate had encountered the first two puzzles before, but the second puzzle required some time to recall the solution.
Interviewer's Feedback
The interviewer was supportive and provided hints to help the candidate during the coding problems.
Round 2: Low-Level Design
Questions: The interviewer focused on the candidate's resume, discussing open-source contributions and projects. The discussion pivoted to the low-level and high-level design of a project the candidate built. The interviewer inquired about relevant SOLID principles and design patterns.
Candidate's Approach
The candidate discussed their internship project, acknowledging that they hadn't studied low-level design principles in depth but had some understanding from experience and peer discussions. This led to a conversation about databases and query optimization.
Interviewer's Feedback
The interviewer pointed out areas for improvement in the design and engaged in a detailed discussion about the candidate's understanding of design patterns.
Round 3: Managerial Round
Questions: The candidate was asked to write SQL queries, including one to find the 3rd highest employee salary, followed by a discussion on query performance and optimizations. The candidate was also asked to re-explain the project discussed in Round 2.
Candidate's Approach
The candidate effectively explained their project again and engaged in a discussion about SQL queries and performance optimizations.
Interviewer's Feedback
The manager explained the company's operations, the candidate's potential role, expectations, and the tech stack they would be working with.
Verdict
Accepted
HR reached out 3 days after the interview regarding the result and compensation discussion.