SLB

Role: Fullstack Developer

College: Not Specified

Interview Date: August 25, 2023

Interview Type: On-Campus, Full-Time

Result: Not Specified

Difficulty: Hard

Rounds: 6 rounds

Topics Asked: Java (MCQs, code snippets, error handling, string buffers, inheritance), Data Structures (Linked List), Algorithms (sorting Linked List, sort array of zeros and ones, reverse string), MongoDB, Firebase, NoSQL, Node.js, System Design (database for canteen management system), Behavioral questions.

Experience:

The SLB interview process for a Fullstack Developer was described as one of the most challenging, consisting of 6 rounds including an Online Assessment (OA).

Online Assessment: Conducted on the DoSelect platform, it lasted 1.5 hours and had 22 questions (20 MCQs and 2 coding questions). The 20 MCQs were split into two 10-minute sections. The first section had theoretical Java questions (some multi-correct, some single-correct) which were manageable. The second section had lengthy Java code snippets for dry-running or debugging, covering topics like error handling (try-catch-finally), string buffers, and inheritance, and 10 minutes was insufficient for this section. The two coding questions were not specified but were part of the assessment.

Group Discussion (GD) Round: This was a surprising round for many candidates. The topic was not specified but generally focused on current trends.

Technical Interview 1: Started with an introduction and discussion of the candidate's most significant project. The interviewer asked for details about MongoDB, Firebase, and NoSQL in general, and which the candidate would choose between MongoDB and Firebase. Basic Node.js questions followed. DSA questions included sorting an array of only zeros and ones and reversing a string. Finally, the candidate was asked to design a database for a canteen management system.

Technical Interview 2: The interviewer asked about a project involving a Binary Search Tree (BST) and instructed the candidate to dry-run their approach on a sample BST. Further questions included explaining a Linked List, its advantage over Arrays, and writing code for sorting a Linked List (the candidate wrote a "broken Merge Sort code"). The interviewer continuously probed the candidate's thought process, cross-questioned, and suggested changes.

Technical Interview 3 (Project Manager Round): This round was with a project manager. The specific questions are not detailed, but it likely focused on project management aspects, team dynamics, and how the candidate would explain SLB to a new person.

HR Interview: Two HRs conducted this round, starting with an introduction. Questions covered the candidate's background, preferred company, long-term and short-term goals, what SLB is, what was learned from the company presentation, skills brought to the table, and a tricky question: "if not SLB then what?".

Overall Experience: The candidate found the process challenging but gained valuable experience.