Round 1 (LLD)
Questions:
- Tell me about a time you ....
- Design a Library checkout system.
Candidate's Approach
I started with class diagrams and then began coding in Java. I explained my actions and finished using various design patterns and SOLID principles ahead of time. I also discussed further improvements, such as structuring the classes with other design patterns.
Interviewer's Feedback
The interviewer acknowledged my LLD skills by saying I did a good job!
Round 2 (HLD)
Questions:
- Tell me about a time you ....
- Design YouTube - mostly in the video uploading side.
Candidate's Approach
I gathered requirements, noted them down, talked out loud, and provided a clean solution. I ensured that the interviewer was on the same page throughout the discussion.
Interviewer's Feedback
The interviewer seemed satisfied with my design and explanation.
Round 3 (Problem solving)
Questions:
- What are the important things for a software engineer to grow?
- Group Anagrams
Candidate's Approach
I spent a lot of time discussing behavioral questions and had only 10 minutes to code the problem. I talked out loud and finished the code early. The interviewer appreciated my performance, especially in the behavioral part.
Interviewer's Feedback
The interviewer really liked me and said, "hopefully see ya in Microsoft."
AA Round
Questions:
- Several behavioral questions similar to the last rounds.
Candidate's Approach
I finished early in 25 minutes, but my answers were somewhat repetitive.
Interviewer's Feedback
No feedback provided.
Team Match Call
Questions:
- Resume screening and team/product discussion.
Candidate's Approach
The interviewer was a Senior Software Engineer from Azure, and the call focused on my resume and the team's offerings.
Interviewer's Feedback
No feedback provided.
Result
- Passed the test with 100% score.
- Received a verbal offer for the Azure team after a month of waiting.
- Negotiated a salary bump during the recruiter call.
My Takeaways
- They don't explicitly say they are heavy on behavioral, but they seem to put a good amount of weight on behavioral questions.
- Be curious and be talkative.
- Be proud of your work and achievements.
- Do regular problem solving, read System Design books, and try to use LLD in your current work.