Interview Experience

My interview journey was extensive, encompassing over 15 interviews across various companies. Despite being from a Tier 1 college, I faced numerous rejections, often attributed to my English communication skills and challenges with behavioral questions. However, I consistently tried my best to explain the solutions to the problems posed.

I experienced several rejections:

• PhonePe: I was rejected in the first round for not being able to solve a DSA problem and later in the fourth managerial round due to inadequate explanation of a system design problem.
• Zomato + Blinkit: I failed in two separate attempts (1st and 2nd interviews respectively) before finally clearing a third interview attempt.
• Adobe Bengaluru: I completed 4 rounds, but they hired someone internally before giving a final decision.
• Swiggy: Rejected in the second round, without a clear reason provided.
• INDMoney: Rejected in the first round during one attempt, and in the third managerial round during another because I took too much time, even though I answered all questions.
• Other companies: I also faced rejections from Ixigo (twice, citing interviewer quality issues), WinZo, Pocket FM (rejected in 3rd of 4 rounds), Kuku FM, Target, Grab (failed to design an image-cache library in the 2nd interview), Playo (rejected in 4th round), Meesho (rejected in 3rd managerial round), Paytm, and several startups. I cleared 3 rounds at Ontic but did not proceed with the 4th as it was an onsite interview.

My applications primarily went through Instahyre and LinkedIn. Each rejection was demotivating for a day or two, but I consistently regrouped and prepared for the next opportunity. Ultimately, my persistence paid off, resulting in two offers: a Software Engineer L-2 role at Gojek in Gurgaon with a total compensation of 34.5 LPA + 3 Lakh joining bonus, and an offer from Zomato for 40 LPA (32 Base + 8 performance Bonus), which I declined.