Thought Works interview experience Real time questions & tips from candidates to crack your interview
Grad Consultant
Thought Works
4 rounds | 5 Coding
problems
Selected Interview preparation journey
Journey
My real motivation was seeing people getting such high packages just by doing DSA, so I also started doing DSA. But after the third year, it motivated me even more, as I was already lagging behind the crowd.
Application story
I saw a post from one of the recruiters and asked for a referral from a random person on LinkedIn who was working at ThoughtWorks. I asked her about her interview experience, which helped me a lot in clearing the rounds, as I had a basic knowledge that I will be sharing with you all today.
Why selected/rejected for the role?
I got selected because I was eager to do development projects, and I had good concepts in Java, which helped me in coding rounds and interview rounds, as they asked questions that were a little tricky.
Preparation
Duration: 6 months
Topics: Problem solving, Java, Puzzles, Operating system, Networking, System Design, DBMS
Tip 1: Understand the basics properly of any one of the programming languages.
Tip 2: Practice at least 200+ questions from various platforms and also scenario-based questions.
Tip 3: Keep your resume strong with certifications, projects, coding platform links, and some internship experience.
Application process
Where: Linkedin
Eligibility: 7 CGPA
Tip 1: Have good projects and also host them on some platforms. I made an Android app that I have published on the Play Store.
Tip 2: Be confident in whatever you have written on your resume because they will ask about everything—I am repeating, they ask about everything from your resume in the third round.
Interview rounds
01
Round
Easy
Online Coding Interview
Duration120 minutes
Interview date1 May 2022
Coding problem1
It happened on the HackerRank Platform. There were 3 coding questions of a mix of medium and easy levels, along with 8-10 MCQs related to computer science subjects. Additionally, there were questions where you had to guess the output of code in different programming languages, along with 6-8 aptitude MCQs. The duration of the test was 120 minutes, and I was able to solve all 3 programming questions completely.
This round included questions related to OS, networking, and coding basics such as pattern-based questions. This round can be easily cleared if you have even basic knowledge of all the topics I mentioned.
1. Remove Duplicates from Sorted Array
Easy
15m average time
85% success
0/40
Asked in companies
Given an integer array nums sorted in non-decreasing order, remove the duplicates in place such that each unique element appears only once. The relative order of the elements should be kept the same. Then return the number of unique elements in nums.
Consider the number of unique elements of nums to be k, to get accepted, you need to do the following things:
Change the array nums such that the first k elements of nums contain the unique elements in the order they were present in nums initially. The remaining elements of nums are not important as well as the size of nums.
Return k.
Problem approach
Tip 1: I would say that if you tackle very easy-level questions on coding platforms covering topics like arrays, strings, trees, DP, and linked lists, you can easily clear it.
Tip 2: They will not necessarily expect the optimized solution, so even if you apply brute force, you are good to go.
Tip 3: Even if not all your test cases are passing, just go for it; if 3 out of 2.5 are cleared, they will still consider you.
02
Round
Medium
Video Call
Duration60 minutes
Interview date4 May 2022
Coding problem1
It was a code-pairing round where one programming question was given, and we were expected to solve it using OOP concepts, following best coding practices, avoiding code smells, and adhering to a highly Object-oriented approach. The interview lasted for 60 minutes, and it was conducted via the Zoom platform, where two Thoughtworkers joined me during this round. Within 2 hours, I received the result that I had been selected for the next round, which took place the following day.
1. Balanced parentheses
Moderate
10m average time
90% success
0/80
Asked in companies
Given an integer ‘N’ representing the number of pairs of parentheses, Find all the possible combinations of balanced parentheses with the given number of pairs of parentheses.
Note :
Conditions for valid parentheses:
1. All open brackets must be closed by the closing brackets.
2. Open brackets must be closed in the correct order.
For Example :
()()()() is a valid parentheses.
)()()( is not a valid parentheses.
03
Round
Medium
Video Call
Duration120 minutes
Interview date6 May 2022
Coding problem2
This stage was entirely based on the applicant's resume, and two interviewers participated to gauge the breadth and depth of technical knowledge. You should be well-prepared for your project because they will ask you about every detail of it and may even ask you to build code for a specific situation based on it.
For an hour, they grilled me on a variety of Java-related topics while also assigning me a few problems to solve in front of them. Then, they moved on to OOPs concepts, operating systems, SQL, data structures, and algorithms in any language you feel comfortable using. Become well-versed in the differences, essential concepts, SQL joins, LIKE keyword, etc., their applications, and what can be employed when various methods of completing a task are used.
The CV portion came next, and I was quizzed on a variety of topics, including the tech stack I am familiar with and all of my internship projects. These were challenging questions, so prepare well in advance.
Then they asked me very basic system design questions and told me to explain orally, wanting to know the approach.
They left after having some nice and friendly conversation.
The timing was in the evening - around 5-6 pm.
The interviewers were very friendly and helpful throughout.
The environment was friendly, but make sure you act confident and have good communication skills.
1. System Design
If you have to design the YouTube platform how will you design the same?
How does its database work?
Problem approach
Tip 1: Explain to them what you are thinking.
Tip 2: Catch their hints, as this was to check how you are thinking.
Tip 3: Gain some basic knowledge of system design before the interview. If you do not know much about it, say to them before answering that you haven't prepared for system design, but you are thinking you can solve this problem in this way.
04
Round
Medium
HR Round
Duration60 minutes
Interview date10 May 2022
Coding problem1
I was joined by a senior product manager from ThoughtWorks for the Social Change & Leadership Round, which was frequently used to assess my cultural fit. Be sincere and provide a thorough description of yourself during this round.
Timing: around 10 in the morning
Amicable environment
It is very inspiring, and in different rounds, they will have to test you as a person.
1. Basic HR Questions
What noble cause do you wish to work for?
Questions about green technology.
How at ease do you feel working with transgender individuals of different genders?
Questions about the CEO of the company and specific inquiries about the projects they are working on should be prepared using the website.
Problem approach
Tip 1: Be confident.
Tip 2: Before speaking, think and answer with full proof.
Tip 3: Keep a positive attitude.
Here's your problem of the day 
Solving this problem will increase your chance to get selected in this company
Skill covered: Programming
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