“Gunjeev Singh” who was interned at “LinkedIn” talks about his interview experience and some other tips to prepare for placement season. Check out what he says about the placement season.
His Interview was taken by Unsaid Talks Interviewer: “Hardik Garg”
Profile offered: SRE Intern (Site Reliability Engineer)
Job Location: Bangalore
Branch and Graduation Year: COE- 2024
Interview Difficulty Level: It is again a subjective concept. If I talk specifically about LinkedIn, then I will say it would be on a scale of 9 to 10 because the selection process wasn’t DSA-centric, even though DSA was a small part of it. So hardcore DSA solvers might feel it was more difficult than those who were focused on development more.
Here are the questions we asked Gunjeev Singh to know about his interview experience.
Question 1: Introduce yourself to our readers.
Answer: Myself Gunjeev Singh, studying at Thapar University, Patiala. I am in 3rd year of Computer Science & Engineering.
Question 2: Was there any internal CGPA cutoff? If yes, then how much ?
Answer: This selection process was off-campus. My CGPA was not even asked during the entire process. So I can say that there was no such cut-off existed. But, as far as my view is concerned, I feel extreme high cut-off bar has no point; a moderate or descent cut-off like 8 or 8.5 is alright. Although it’s all a matter of particular company’s by laws.
Question 3: What was the procedure of the placement that took place? (Shortlisting criteria/ coding or aptitude test/ number of interviews)
Answer: The whole process had 1 online test, 2 tech rounds of interviews and 1 HR based round. After getting shortlisted in the online test, we had to clear 2 tech-based interview rounds in which our tech knowledge was drilled up to a remarkable level, then we were called for HR-based discussion.
Question 4: Tell us about the written/online test. (Aptitude, Coding, Test Platform, etc)
Answer: The online test was conducted on HackerEarth. It included 3 DSA-based questions. One out of them was to be in Python while no boundation of language for the rest 2. Along with it, there were MCQs from Linux, Network Programming, OS, 2 DBMS query questions & some subjective questions too. DBMS questions were difficult even though I was not able to solve one of them, whereas DSA questions were of medium level.
Question 5: Tell us about Interview Round 1 including the questions that were asked.
Answer: The first round was a technical round in which I was given a list of some topics viz a viz Network, OS, DBMS etc. I was asked to give 3 of my preferred topics. Out of those 3 topics I was really grilled & drilled in very deep way. To answer those questions, one really needed a real fundamental knowledge along with their applications. Topics other than the 3 of my choices, were drilled at very surfacial level.
Question 6: Tell us about Interview Round 2.(if any)
Answer: Actually Round 1 was CS Fundamental based interview where as round 2 was about System Design. In this round, there was anything neither right nor wrong absolutely. It was all about what approach you use & how efficient your approach is. Here, they tested me for the profile they were offering i.e. SRE which basically means to suggest Software Developers how to make the applications & to design the application in such a way that they can be scalable better. In other words any application which is developed for limited users, We, The SRE’S make it in a way that it’s server locations must be proper as geographical situation, code running also should be proper.
Question 7: Tell us about the HR interviews(if any)
Answer: Instead of HR round, they called it Host Manager Round. In this round all the managers of LinkedIn collectively conducted the interview. We can also name it as a discussion instead of interview. They were discussing to give a final shape to the selection process. They were very keen to bring out our individuality along with all the technical as well as HR parameters.
Question 8: What were the key factors of your selection?
Answer: First and foremost is good knowledge of CS Fundamental, OS, Computer Networking is essential. If you have a good potential of understanding the concepts rather than memorizing them even during college studies, that is more than enough. You must not loose your confidence at any stage as it matters a lot.
Question 9: According to you, what role do extracurricular activities as well as participation in societies play?
Answer: Yes, these activities play a vital role in your selection process. Personally, I would have not grown up or been exposed if I have not been a part of societies. You get good guidance from your seniors through these societies. In college time many of us don’t create proper network of right people who can help us in our ways. Activities of societies bring opportunities for us to meet the seniors of positive vibes. All these connections are proved to be very helpful to boost up our knowledge as well as our morale too.
Question 10: Were there any companies you got rejected from after appearing for their interview? If yes, then tell us about your rejection story and what do you think were the reasons for your rejection?
Answer: We all have to face rejection at some or other times. I must say that the rejection by any one or two companies is not a full stop to your career. One more thing to keep in mind that there is a difference between depression & anxiety. Whenever as a human being we hear any adverse news about us an anxiety feel occurs automatically, but you have to be strong enough not to convert into depression. You need to keep on preparing yourself, one day you will achieve your goals. If you are unsuccessful to get internship not to be worried about. Ratio of companies coming for intern and placement is 1:10, so focus on the placement preparation.
Question 11: Any other advice you would like to give to your juniors?
Answer: A piece of advice I really want to put forward that college studies only are not sufficient enough, you have to put self efforts equally. At the same time, you also be aware that once the placement process starts, all adverse factors also come along but don’t get demotivated at any point of time. Whatever and from wherever the opportunity you find suitable, apply for that. To deny the joining after being selected is better than the situation in which you could have get but didn’t even apply for that. Prepare yourself very strongly for interview rounds.
Question 12: How can we contact you? (LinkedIn Profile Link/Contact No./etc.)
Answer: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gunjeevsingh