Eternal

Role: SDE Frontend

College: Not Specified

Interview Date: April 14, 2024

Interview Type: Full-Time

Result: Selected

Difficulty: Hard

Rounds: 3 rounds

Topics Asked: React, Server-Side Rendering (SSR), Frontend frameworks (internal workings), LeetCode-style coding problem, React (diffing algorithm, reconciliation process, custom hooks), JavaScript (useState and useEffect implementation, closures, let vs var), CSS (Tailwind CSS vs CSS-in-JS), Docker (internal implementation), Zomato's culture, Contribution to the team.

Experience:

The candidate applied for an SDE Frontend position at Zomato by directly emailing the CEO, Deepinder Goyal, which led to an interview schedule with a team lead.

Round 1: Technical Interview (with SDE2)
This round focused on the candidate's knowledge of React, server-side rendering (SSR), and the internal workings of frontend frameworks. A challenging LeetCode-style coding problem was also part of this round.

Round 2: Technical Interview (with Engineering Manager)
The focus shifted to hands-on coding. The interviewer asked probing questions about React, including the diffing algorithm, reconciliation process, and rules around custom hooks. The candidate had to implement basic versions of `useState` and `useEffect` and explain concepts like closures, the differences between `let` and `var`, and the advantages of using Tailwind CSS over CSS-in-JS. Discussion also covered the candidate's experience with Docker and its internal implementation.

Round 3: Managerial Interview (with VP of Engineering)
This was a conversational round where the VP of Engineering provided an overview of Zomato's culture and expectations for an SDE Frontend. The candidate was asked about what they could bring to the table and how they would contribute to the team.

After successfully completing all three rounds, the candidate received a job offer from Zomato. The process was challenging but provided insight into the company's high standards.