Greyorange

Role: SDE - 1

College: NATIONAL INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY

Interview Date: March 5, 2022

Interview Type: Off-Campus

Result: Selected

Difficulty: Medium

Rounds: 4 rounds

Topics Asked: Data Structures and Algorithms (Maps, Binary Search, Trie), Git, Low-Level Design, Java, OOPS, DBMS, Docker, JavaScript, SQL, Puzzles.

Experience:

This interview experience for an SDE-1 role at GreyOrange comprised 4 rounds.

Round 1: Video Call (Technical)

The interview started with introductions. The interviewer then moved to DSA basics like maps and binary search concepts. A problem was given on Google Chat to solve on any compiler: "Find the occurrence of a given number in a sorted array". The candidate initially solved it with a linear search approach, then optimized it to a Binary search approach and wrote the code, running the given test cases. After the coding discussion, the interviewer reviewed the resume and asked about the candidate's current project and technologies. Many questions were asked on Git, Docker, JS, OOPS, and DBMS. SQL queries were also asked to fetch specific data, along with questions on containerization, the difference between a Virtual Machine and containerization, and how to restart and run a container in a Docker-based environment.

Round 2: Video Call (Problem Solving & Puzzles)

This round started with the famous "duck, fox, and pond puzzle". The interviewer focused on the approach to solving the puzzle rather than just the answer. After about half an hour, another problem was posed: "How can we get recommendations while writing words in a search string?". The candidate suggested using data structures like maps, strings, and trees, and also proposed the Trie data structure. The interviewer was satisfied with multiple approaches.

Round 3: Video Call (Low-Level Design)

In this round, the candidate was asked to design a plot sales management system using SQL and Java. This involved designing the low-level structure of tables for data storage and classes for application design. The interviewer was satisfied with the approach and design, and did not require running code.

Round 4: Video Call (HR/Managerial)

This was the final round. The interviewer asked about the candidate and their knowledge of the company. Projects and future goals were discussed. The interviewer was described as understanding and supportive.