Ciena interview experience Real time questions & tips from candidates to crack your interview

Software Engineer

Ciena
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2 rounds | 6 Coding problems

Interview preparation journey

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Journey
I am a Computer Science & Engineering MTech student from DTU. My preparation journey began in August of my first year, as the MTech program lasts for 2 years. Initially, I searched various platforms and discovered that Data Structures and Algorithms (DSA) are crucial for securing positions in top-notch product-based companies. My goal was to join these companies due to their work culture and attractive compensation packages. I started by strengthening my foundation in basic C++ programming and gradually delved into learning the Standard Template Library (STL). Then, I progressed to platforms like LeetCode and CodeChef. I dedicated myself to practicing at least 4-5 questions daily and gaining insights into new logic and techniques. Additionally, I focused on solving problems with the best time complexity and participated in weekly contests. This journey has been immensely rewarding and will significantly shape my future over the next 50 years. I encourage everyone to work diligently towards their goals. Thank you.
Application story
I applied through my campus. Ciena, the company where I was placed, was a one-month company with a handsome package and a good work culture. My flatmates and I were very hopeful when applying.
Why selected/rejected for the role?
Selected.
Preparation
Duration: 15 Months
Topics: Data Structures, Algorithms, OOPS, DBMS, Operating Systems, System Design and Machine Leaning
Tip
Tip

Tip 1: DSA is most important. Thoroughly clear your concepts.
Tip 2: Practice every leetcode contest.
Tip 3: Do mock interviews.

Application process
Where: Campus
Eligibility: 8 CGPA
Resume Tip
Resume tip

Tip 1: Keep it to the point and simple. Add internships on top.
Tip 2: Only add two projects and remove your coding profiles.

Interview rounds

01
Round
Medium
Online Coding Interview
Duration90
Interview date9 Sep 2022
Coding problem3

The event took place on my campus. There were company staff present during the test round, and they were courteous. However, the internet connectivity at DTU is a bit low, so I faced some issues there. Other than that, everything went smoothly.

1. Reverse a linked list

Reverse a linked list

Problem approach

* Initialize three pointers prev as NULL, curr as head, and next as NULL.
* Iterate through the linked list. In a loop, do the following:
* Before changing the next of curr, store the next node 
* next = curr -> next
* Now update the next pointer of curr to the prev 
* curr -> next = prev 
* Update prev as curr and curr as next 
* prev = curr 
* curr = next

2. Detect Loop in a linked list

Moderate
15m average time
80% success
0/80
Asked in companies
GrabThalesSterlite Technologies Limited

Detect Loop in a linked list

Problem approach

Traverse the list individually and keep putting the node addresses in a Hash Table. 
At any point, if NULL is reached then return false 
If the next of the current nodes points to any of the previously stored nodes in Hash then return true.

Try solving now

3. Zig Zag traversal of a tree

Easy
15m average time
85% success
0/40
Asked in companies
PayUDelhiveryExpedia Group

Zig Zag traversal of a tree

Problem approach

Assuming the two stacks are: the current level and the next level, we would also need a variable to keep track of the current level order (whether it is left to right or right to left). We pop from the current level stack and print the node's value. Whenever the current level order is from left to right, we push the node's left child, and then its right child to the stack next level. Since a stack is a Last-In-First-Out (LIFO) structure, the next time when nodes are popped off the next level, they will be in the reverse order. On the other hand, when the current level order is from right to left, we would push the node's right child first, then its left child. Finally, do not forget to swap those two stacks at the end of each level (i.e., when the current level is empty).

Try solving now
02
Round
Easy
HR Round
Duration40
Interview date9 Sep 2022
Coding problem3

It was a very easy round. HR made us very comfortable. My HR round was conducted at around 9 pm. It was worth it. We were offered soft drinks and goodies also from the company.

1. Why do you want to join Ciena?

Problem approach

Tip 1: Be confident 
Tip 2: Be consistent throughout the questions 
Tip 3: Be truthful

2. Are you willing to relocate?

Problem approach

Tip 1: Always say yes.
Tip 2: Saying No is a direct rejection 
Tip 3: Be confident

3. Can you work late at night for the company if required for some important issue?

Problem approach

Tip 1: Always be positive
Tip 2: Say yes
Tip 3: Say it would be done if needed.

Here's your problem of the day

Solving this problem will increase your chance to get selected in this company

Skill covered: Programming

What is recursion?

Choose another skill to practice
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