I applied online. The process took 2 weeks. I interviewed at IBM (New York, NY) in Dec 2017
Interview
I applied through UNCUBED and 3 weeks later I got an invitation to take part in the first interview where I got to record myself answering 3 technical questions followed by 3 coding questions (45 minutes each) followed by a question where I needed to explain what was I doing in the 3rd coding question and finally what my thought was after taking the interview. The second interview is a GURU interview where I was facing an actual online interviewer over the HIREVUE platform where this 1-hr interview consisted of three parts (technically four); he started with explaining what it is that he does in IBM then asked me about myself. Next, he went over some computer histories and asked me some questions based on Operating System, then a coding (very easy) question, and finally he went over some of my projects.
(I STILL AM WAITING FOR A REPLY BACK FROM IBM thus saying I didn't get the offer)
First of 3 Coding Questions in the first interview:
Fixed Array N[i], Integers P and Q. If N[i] is divisible by P then print "OUT", and if N[i] is divisible by Q then print "THINK"; if N[i] is divisible by both P and Q then concatenate OUT and THINK (hence, OUTTHINK), and if N[i] isn't divisible by any of P and Q then print the number in that index.
Second of the 3 coding question in the first interview:
Names of medication are given in a string and are comma delimited. A second string is given with fewer (may contain names from the first string or may not contain any names in the first string at all). Compare both strings and print out the common names in both strings.
Last of the three coding questions in the first interview:
It was an inventory based question.
Apple Sold in the farm
214 out of 250 on April 1
179 out of 250 on April 2
230 out of 250 on April 3
Orange Sold in the farm
0 out of 200 on April 1
180 out of 250 on April 2
200 out of 250 on April 3
Mango Sold in the farm
100 out of 100 on April 1
0 out of 200 on April 2
50 out of 250 on April 3
Output all the sold merchandise in a datewise inventory. (E.g. On April 1, Apple, Orange, and Grapes were sold in x,y, and z amount)
The GURU coding question:
A fixed Size array is given, the target is 9. Find as many two numbers from the array that add up to the target. Do not Print the duplicates!
Applied through the company portal, completed an online coding assessment, followed by a technical interview covering data structures, algorithms, OOP concepts, and project experience. Concluded with an HR discussion about the role, career goals, availability, and compensation expectations.
## IBM Interview Process
The process began with initial resume shortlisting, followed by competitive **DSA and coding rounds** to test core technical concepts. After clearing those, I cleared two comprehensive interviews with the **Hiring Manager/Tech Expert** and **HR**.
Describe the interview process: The process consisted of three rounds: an initial online assessment focusing on data structures and algorithms, followed by two technical video interviews. The technical rounds were intensive, covering system design, live coding, and deep-dive questions into previous project experience and database optimization.
Interview questions [1]
Question 1
Design a scalable URL shortener system and explain how you would handle high read/write throughput.
