Commvault interview experience Real time questions & tips from candidates to crack your interview
SDE - 1
Commvault
2 rounds | 4 Coding
problems
Selected Interview preparation journey
Journey
My journey toward succeeding in the coding round for the Commvault OA interview began with a strong emphasis on mastering the fundamentals of programming and problem-solving. I started by building a solid foundation in algorithms and data structures, which are crucial for tackling coding challenges effectively.
Initially, I focused on understanding basic concepts such as arrays, strings, and linked lists. I practised solving problems related to these topics to gain confidence and improve my problem-solving skills. This phase was all about familiarizing myself with the types of problems commonly encountered in coding assessments and learning the optimal techniques to solve them.
As I progressed, I began tackling more complex problems and diving into advanced topics like dynamic programming, graph algorithms, and system design. I used online platforms to practice a variety of coding challenges, which helped me improve my analytical thinking and coding efficiency.
To prepare specifically for the Commvault OA round, I researched the types of questions typically asked and tailored my practice accordingly. I also focused on time management strategies to ensure I could complete each problem within the allotted time during the assessment.
Throughout my preparation, I maintained a mindset of continuous learning. Each challenge I faced, whether successful or not, provided valuable insights and opportunities to refine my approach. I learned to debug my code more effectively and to optimize my solutions for better performance.
For anyone preparing for a similar coding interview, I recommend focusing on building a strong foundation, practising consistently, and approaching each problem with a clear and methodical strategy. Persistence and a willingness to learn from each experience are key to achieving success.
Application story
I applied for the position through an online job portal where the company's listing caught my interest. After submitting my resume and cover letter, I was contacted by a recruiter who provided further details about the role and the interview process. The initial screening was conducted over a phone call, followed by a series of virtual interviews with different team members. The process was smooth, with timely communication from the recruitment team leading up to the final interview.
Why selected/rejected for the role?
I was selected for the role because my experience and skills closely matched the job requirements. My track record of successfully managing complex projects, implementing innovative solutions, and adhering to best practices likely stood out to the hiring team. Additionally, my ability to handle challenges, meet deadlines, and continuously learn and adapt to new technologies may have aligned well with the company’s needs.
Preparation
Duration: 4 months
Topics: Data Structures, Algorithms, Dynamic Programming, Graph Theory, System Design
Practice Regularly: Consistent practice on coding platforms helps reinforce concepts and improve problem-solving skills. Aim to solve a variety of problems to build confidence and versatility.
Understand Problem-Solving Techniques: Focus on understanding the underlying algorithms and data structures, rather than just memorizing solutions. This approach helps you tackle new problems effectively and efficiently.
Review and Analyze Your Solutions: After solving problems, take time to review and analyze your solutions. Look for opportunities to optimize your code and understand different approaches to the same problem. This will help you refine your skills and avoid common mistakes.
Application process
Where: Campus
Eligibility: 7.5 CGPA
Tailor Your Resume to the Job: Customize your resume for each position you apply for by highlighting the skills, experiences, and achievements that align with the job description. Use keywords from the job listing to ensure your resume passes through applicant tracking systems (ATS) and grabs the attention of recruiters.
Quantify Achievements: Whenever possible, use numbers and metrics to showcase your accomplishments. For example, instead of saying "Improved team efficiency," say "Increased team efficiency by 20% by implementing new project management tools." This provides concrete evidence of your impact and makes your resume more compelling.
Interview rounds
01
Round
Easy
Online Coding Interview
Duration90 minutes
Interview date22 Apr 2023
Coding problem2
The interview was scheduled during regular business hours, not late at night, which made it convenient. The environment was professional, with a relaxed and supportive atmosphere that allowed for a focused conversation.
There were no unusual activities or interruptions during the interview. The interviewer was approachable and professional, maintaining a friendly demeanour throughout. They asked thoughtful questions that allowed me to showcase my skills and experiences, and they were attentive, ensuring the interview felt like a balanced dialogue rather than a one-sided interrogation.
1. Kth Smallest Element
Moderate
0/80
Asked in companies
You are given an unsorted array of integers. Write a function to find the kth smallest element in the array. Discuss the time complexity of your solution and any potential trade-offs.
Problem approach
Sorting the Array: Sort the array and pick the kth element.
Using a Min-Heap or Max-Heap: Efficiently manage the elements to find the kth smallest.
Quickselect Algorithm: A variation of quicksort that can find the kth smallest element in average O(n) time.
Sort the array in ascending order.
Access the kth element in the sorted array (keeping in mind that indexing starts from 0).
2. Level Order Traversal
Easy
15m average time
85% success
0/40
Asked in companies
Given a binary tree, write a function to perform a level-order traversal (also known as breadth-first search). Explain how this traversal could be useful in optimizing data storage or retrieval operations.
Problem approach
To perform a level-order traversal, we can use a queue. The queue helps manage the order in which nodes are processed.
The process involves visiting the root node, enqueuing its children, and then dequeuing nodes one by one while enqueuing their children, repeating until all nodes are visited.
Start by enqueuing the root node.
While the queue is not empty, dequeue a node, process it (e.g., add its value to a result list), and enqueue its left and right children (if they exist).
Continue this process until the queue is empty.
02
Round
Easy
Online Coding Interview
Duration90 minutes
Interview date18 May 2023
Coding problem2
The interview was scheduled during regular business hours, not late at night, which made it convenient. The environment was professional, with a relaxed and supportive atmosphere that allowed for a focused conversation.
There were no unusual activities or interruptions during the interview. The interviewer was approachable and professional, maintaining a friendly demeanour throughout. They asked thoughtful questions that allowed me to showcase my skills and experiences, and they were attentive, making sure the interview felt like a balanced dialogue rather than a one-sided interrogation.
1. Operating System
Describe the process of creating a snapshot in a Linux/Windows operating system. How does this feature support data backup and recovery operations in enterprise environments?
Problem approach
Enable Volume Shadow Copy
Open the properties of the disk volume you want to protect. Under the "Shadow Copies" tab, enable shadow copies for the desired volumes.
Create a Manual Snapshot
You can create a manual snapshot using the vssadmin command in the Command Prompt.
Example command:
cmd
Copy code
vssadmin create shadow /for=C:
This creates a shadow copy of the C: drive.
Access the Snapshot
The snapshot can be accessed by restoring files from previous versions, which are available in the file properties under the "Previous Versions" tab.
Restore Data
Use the snapshot to restore individual files or roll back the entire system to a previous state using System Restore
2. Operating System
What are the key differences between file-level backup and block-level backup in an operating system, and how would you decide which method to use?
Problem approach
File-Level Backup:
Backs up individual files and directories.
Allows selective file restoration.
Slower for large numbers of files but easier to manage.
Best for specific file backups like documents or configurations.
Block-Level Backup:
Backs up data at the storage block level.
Captures entire storage blocks, allowing faster backups.
More efficient for large data volumes and system-wide backups.
Ideal for full system backups, virtual machines, or databases where consistency is key.
Decision Guide:
Use File-Level Backup for targeted file recovery or smaller-scale backups.
Use Block-Level Backup for faster, comprehensive backups in enterprise or virtualized environments
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Skill covered: Programming
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