HSC

Role: SDE - 1

College: Not Specified

Interview Date: July 5, 2021

Interview Type: On-Campus

Result: Selected

Difficulty: Medium

Rounds: 3 rounds

Topics Asked: Aptitude, Computer Concepts, Programming (Sliding Window Maximum), DSA, DBMS, OS, Computer Networks, JavaScript, OOPS, Projects

Experience:

The recruitment process for the SDE - 1 role at Hughes Systique Corporation (HSC) was an on-campus drive.

Round 1 (Online Coding Interview): This was a proctored online test of 90 minutes duration. It comprised three sections:

• Aptitude: 20 MCQs
• Concept: 20 MCQs
• Programming: 1 out of 2 coding problems to be attempted. The candidate attempted "Sliding Maximum" (Moderate difficulty, 25m average time).

The candidate needed to clear this test to proceed.

Round 2 (Technical Interview): This was a 60-minute video call that was a mixed round covering DSA, DBMS, and OS. The interviewer asked the candidate to describe themselves. 2 or 3 questions were asked on projects. The interviewer also asked to explain the "Sliding Window" question attempted in the online assessment round. Other technical questions covered JavaScript and OOPS, including:

• What type of language is JavaScript?
• Differences between == and === in JavaScript.
• Definition of arrow functions and normal functions in JS.
• How to declare an arrow function.
• A small coding exercise to be solved only in JS.
• How to empty an array in JS.
• Some questions from Computer Networks: "What happens when we hit www.google.com?" and an explanation of the OSI model.
• OOPS questions like inheritance, polymorphism, and encapsulation.
• Finally, the interviewer asked the candidate to code an example of polymorphism.

The candidate noted that this round was primarily a more difficult technical round than the first technical round, with HR evaluating confidence and soft skills.

Round 3 (Managerial + HR Round): This was the last round, a 60-minute video call. It was a combined Managerial and HR round, primarily evaluating the candidate's confidence and soft skills. The technical aspects revolved around JavaScript, as the interviewer noticed JavaScript on the candidate's resume.

Tips: The candidate advised that DSA + OOPS are a must. Good knowledge of core subjects like DBMS, OS, CN, and 2 good projects with SQL and queries are important. Also, remembering all online assessment questions is crucial as they might be asked in interviews. For the resume, good formatting, knowledge of its content, and a 1-page length with at least 2 projects are recommended.