Dezerv

Role: SDE - Backend Role

College: Not Specified

Interview Date: November 25, 2023

Interview Type: Full-Time

Result: Selected (Offer)

Difficulty: Medium-Hard

Rounds: 3 rounds (plus Online Test)

Topics Asked: Data Structures, Algorithms (Ad-hoc, DP, Binary Search), System Design, Cultural Fit

Experience:

The candidate, with six months of experience, interviewed for an SDE - Backend Role at Dezerv after receiving a referral.

Online Test: This was a 90-minute online test comprising two coding questions. The candidate solved both in 15 minutes. One question was ad-hoc, and the other was a Dynamic Programming problem, both considered medium-hard difficulty.

First Interview (DSA/CP Round): This round focused on Data Structures and Algorithms/Competitive Programming. The candidate was given a binary search problem, with a difficulty range of 1600-1700 on Codeforces. The candidate solved it well within time, impressing the interviewer.

Second Interview (System Design): The task in this round was to design a Reminder Scheduling System. The candidate found it tricky and felt they didn't "nail it," but the interviewer was supportive and noted their potential, considering their limited experience.

Final Interview (Cultural Fit): This round involved a transparent discussion about the pros and cons of leaving a large company like Microsoft to join a Series A-funded startup.

Overall Experience: The candidate received a job offer for the SDE - Backend Role on the same day as the final interview. They highlighted the fairness and speed of the interview process, particularly the transparency in the cultural fit round.