Codenation

Role: SDE Role

College: Not Specified (2020 Graduate)

Interview Date: Not Specified

Interview Type: Full-Time

Result: Selected

Difficulty: Hard (one of the most difficult processes)

Rounds: 5 rounds

Topics Asked: Data Structures, Algorithms, Resume Discussion, System Design, Abstract Problem Solving, Projects.

Experience:

This candidate was interviewed for an SDE Role and described the process as one of the most difficult. The selection was through CodeAgon, a yearly online coding event where the candidate solved 5 out of 6 problems to proceed.

Round 1: Coding Round (CodeAgon)
6 problems were given in the contest. The candidate solved 5 problems.

Round 2: Resume Discussion (Round 0) (30 Minutes)
This round involved a detailed discussion of the candidate's resume and projects. The interviewer checked if the candidate was good enough to proceed. Most candidates are screened out in this round.

Round 3: Data Structures and Algorithms Round (75 Minutes)
Two problems were given. The candidate had to solve them and discuss the implementation of each feature. The interviewer also asked about a project not previously discussed.

Round 4: Design Round
The specific duration is not mentioned for this round, but it involved design questions.

Round 5: Director Round (30 Minutes)
This round was taken by the Director of Engineering and was an abstract problem-solving round. The problem given was: "Design a system that searches the web for user-uploaded images and finds the images that are best for the website of McDonald's." The interviewer wanted to see how the candidate would identify features to look for in an image (e.g., McDonald's logo, staff serving people, pleasant ambiance, happy people) and discuss implementation and improvement ideas.

Overall Experience: This was the candidate's 5th attempt with Codenation, highlighting the difficulty of the process. The candidate was finally selected.