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

Software Developer

IBM
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3 rounds | 3 Coding problems

Interview preparation journey

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Journey
After working as a System Engineer at Oracle Cerner for almost four years, I always had the drive to learn, grow, and take on more challenging roles. While I had strong experience in system administration, cloud, and automation, I realized that to transition into a software development role, I needed to sharpen my problem-solving skills and dive deeper into DSA, system design, and advanced programming concepts. That’s when I joined an online learning program—a turning point in my journey. The structured learning, hands-on problem-solving, and guidance from industry mentors pushed me beyond my limits. I spent countless hours grinding DSA problems, understanding system design, and practicing coding interviews, all while managing my job responsibilities. It wasn’t easy, but the growth mindset and consistency paid off. Cracking the Software Developer role at IBM is a testament to the power of continuous learning and upskilling. If there’s one thing I’ve learned, it’s that your background doesn’t limit you—your willingness to learn and adapt does. To anyone looking to make a career transition, start small, stay consistent, and push yourself out of your comfort zone. The journey might be tough, but the results are worth it. If I could do it, so can you!
Application story
I had Applied through Naukri.com, profile got shortlisted and got call from IBM recruiter, asked me to apply for the position on the IBM portal and started to schedule my technical interviews.
Why selected/rejected for the role?
I was selected because I showed strong development/coding skills in my interviews and also I answered the system design questions with good answers. Solving DSA problems daily helped me a lot.
Preparation
Duration: 6 months
Topics: DSA, OOPS, Java, System Design, Spring Boot
Tip
Tip

Tip 1: Focus on DSA, solve problems daily, make it a habit.
Tip 2: Start learning about system design.
Tip 3: Do at least 2 projects.

Application process
Where: Naukri
Eligibility: Prior experience of working in the IT industry, (Salary Package: 14 LPA)
Resume Tip
Resume tip

Tip 1: Don't put false things on your resume.
Tip 2: Have some good projects and mention relevant skills.

Interview rounds

01
Round
Medium
Online Coding Interview
Duration60 minutes
Interview date30 Jan 2025
Coding problem1

1. Best Time to Buy and Sell Stock

Moderate
20m average time
80% success
0/80
Asked in companies
IntuitOptumOYO

I was asked to solve Buy and Sell Stocks problem online.

Problem approach

I had already solved this problem. So I started with brute-force approach and then moved to optimised approach.

Try solving now
02
Round
Medium
Video Call
Duration60 minutes
Interview date3 Feb 2025
Coding problem1

Afternoon time. Interviewer was friendly and gentle.

1. 3Sum

Moderate
15m average time
85% success
0/80
Asked in companies
IntuitSamsungGrofers

Three Sum problem

Problem approach

I first started with the brute-force approach which did not work for the given constraints so I optimised it using hash map.

Try solving now
03
Round
Easy
HR Round
Duration45 minutes
Interview date7 Feb 2025
Coding problem1

I gave the interview from home in the afternoon, and the interviewer was friendly.

1. HR Questions

  • Why do you want to join IBM?
  • Why do you want to switch your domain?
  • What makes you want to become a software developer?
  • Where do you see yourself in 5 years from now?
  • What are your strengths and weaknesses?
Problem approach

Tip 1: Learn about IBM and its values.
Tip 2: Have basic HR questions answers prepared already.
Tip 3: Speak confidently and be honest.

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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