Arcesium

Role: Lead Software Engineer

College: Not Specified

Interview Date: May 2024

Interview Type: Off-Campus

Result: Rejected

Difficulty: Hard

Rounds: 5 rounds (Hackerrank Test + Problem Solving + HLD/API Design + Database Design + Hiring Manager)

Topics Asked: Data fetching, JSON parsing, query answering, Linked List (reversal), High-Level Design, API Design, Database Design (Inventory Management System), Projects.

Experience:

The candidate interviewed for a Lead Software Engineer role in Hyderabad in May 2024.

Hackerrank Test: This test involved a single problem: fetching data from a given endpoint, parsing the JSON response, and using the parsed data to answer a set of queries.

The candidate cleared the test and received a call from HR the next day.

Problem Solving Round: The interviewer asked a basic question about reversing a linked list. There was also a discussion about the candidate's past work. HR called within five minutes of this round to schedule the next round.

High-Level Design (HLD) and API Design: The discussion revolved around a scenario where data from different origins and tenants needed standardization into a single format before being saved in a downstream service. The conversation was described as very engaging.

Database Design: The candidate was asked to design entities for an inventory management system similar to DMart, considering various conditions like different locations and prices. The system needed to support searches by size, item name, and specific attributes (e.g., "Maggie packet containing 4 pieces"). The candidate proposed a generic solution using tags but found it challenging to cover all requirements within an hour, though most use cases were addressed.

Hiring Manager (HM) Round: This round involved a deep dive into one of the candidate's previous projects. The discussion was thorough and productive.

The candidate felt confident about their performance in all rounds but eventually received a generic rejection email, with no specific feedback.