Infraspec Interview Experience for Software Engineer (Off-Campus) 2023

Introduction:
I recently had the exciting opportunity to interview for a Software Engineer position at Infraspec, an innovative company that specializes in SRE, DevOps, and Backend technologies. As a fresh computer engineering graduate, I was both thrilled and nervous to embark on this journey. After successfully navigating four rigorous interview rounds, I’d like to share my experience and key takeaways for future interviewees.

Interview Experience:

Online Test (September 5, 2023, 75 minutes):
The journey began with an online test lasting 75 minutes. The test included two SQL questions and one coding question, all with a medium difficulty level. This round aimed to assess my SQL querying and aggregation skills, as well as my ability to filter and sort data based on specific criteria. Fortunately, I managed to solve all the problems, showcasing my problem-solving abilities.

Code Pairing (Scheduled for September 9, 2023, 2 hours):
Following my success in the online test, I was invited to the code pairing round. This live interview featured a coding problem related to Object-Oriented Programming (OOP). I had the freedom to choose any programming language. A founder closely monitored my problem-solving process, asking questions about my approach, code structure, and optimization strategies. This round assessed my coding skills, thought process, and coding best practices.

Technical Discussion (September 10, 2023, 2 hour):
The technical discussion round took place with another founder and a software engineer employee. It began with live SQL query questions and then delved into computer science fundamentals, including Computer Networks, Operating Systems, and OOP concepts. This round examined my theoretical knowledge and ability to apply it in practical scenarios.

Expectation Matching (September 10, 2023, 30 minutes):
In the final stage of the interview process, we discussed mutual expectations. This round aimed to align our expectations and explore the best way to collaborate effectively. Infraspec was looking for engineers with strong problem-solving skills and a thirst for learning, which resonated with my career aspirations.

Key Takeaways for Future Interviewees:

• Prepare Fundamentals: Brush up on your computer science fundamentals, as technical discussions may delve into various topics.
• Coding Practice: Practice coding problems in your chosen language and focus on clean, efficient, and well-structured code.
• Communication: Be ready to explain your thought process clearly during code pairing rounds.
• Adaptability: Showcase your ability to adapt to new languages or technologies.
• Research the Company: Research the company’s values and culture to align your expectations with theirs.

Conclusion:
My interview experience with Infraspec was both challenging and rewarding. The systematic approach to interviewing, accommodating adjustments, and the company’s emphasis on problem-solving and learning made it a valuable journey. As a fresh graduate, I feel privileged to join such a reputable and profitable startup, and I look forward to contributing to their success in the world of SRE, DevOps, and Backend technologies.