IIT Bombay Placement Preps || Part II - During Interview || Gaurang Jaju - SEDEMAC - R&D Engineer

Summary

This interview experience highlights the unique two-round selection process. The first round focused on solving technical puzzles and aptitude problems, testing candidates' problem-solving abilities and conceptual understanding. The second round delved deeper into technical knowledge, with candidates discussing past projects and answering detailed technical questions. Emphasis was placed on approach and understanding rather than exact answers. The candidate also shared tips for preparing for online interviews, including ensuring a quiet environment. Advice for future candidates was to broaden skill sets, explore cross-domain opportunities, and stay adaptable to new fields in the growing energy engineering sector.

Takeaways

• 😀 The placement interview process consists of two rounds: a technical puzzle round and a detailed technical interview focusing on the candidate’s problem-solving skills and understanding of core concepts.
• 😀 Round 1 focuses on assessing candidates’ basic engineering knowledge and problem-solving abilities through technical puzzles and aptitude questions, with no time for introductions.
• 😀 In Round 1, candidates are expected to solve technical problems, such as those related to electrical circuits and mechanical systems, while explaining their reasoning and approach.
• 😀 Round 2 dives deeper into technical questions and asks candidates to explain their projects in detail, focusing on their practical application of concepts like Battery Management Systems and related technologies.
• 😀 The interviewers prioritize understanding the candidate’s problem-solving approach, even if the final answer is incorrect. Communication of thought processes is more important than simply providing the right answer.
• 😀 The interview process avoids personal or extracurricular topics, focusing strictly on technical knowledge and the candidate’s academic background, particularly their understanding of core concepts.
• 😀 Online interview preparation is crucial. Ensuring a quiet, distraction-free environment and familiarizing oneself with the online format helps to perform better.
• 😀 Having a strong understanding of fundamental concepts in your field, coupled with the ability to approach problems logically, is key to succeeding in these technical interviews.
• 😀 The importance of a cross-disciplinary approach to career development is highlighted. Students in energy engineering, for example, should explore skills beyond their core area to stay competitive in the growing industry.
• 😀 Even if the campus placement process does not result in a job, students should focus on gaining relevant skills, as there are numerous opportunities outside of campus placements if one is well-prepared.

Q & A

What was the interview process like for the candidate?

The interview process consisted of two rounds. The first round was a technical screening based on solving puzzles and numerical questions, which lasted around 10-15 minutes. The second round was more detailed, with a focus on technical questions, project discussions, and an in-depth review of the candidate's resume, particularly the battery management system project.

What kind of technical puzzles were asked in the first round?

The first round featured a variety of technical puzzles. For example, one question involved an RC circuit and asked about the steady-state charge or current. Another question related to motor dynamics, requiring the candidate to calculate the steady-state speed of a motor with specific parameters.

How were the technical questions presented in the first round?

The technical questions were presented verbally, and in some cases, diagrams were shown on the screen. The candidates had to solve the problems on paper and explain their approach step by step.

How many technical questions were asked in the second round, and what was their focus?

In the second round, three main technical questions were asked. These questions were more detailed and focused on engineering concepts, such as an RC circuit question and a sampling rate problem. The interviewer was more interested in understanding the candidate's problem-solving approach than in getting the exact answer.

What did the interviewer focus on while discussing the candidate's resume?

During the second round, the interviewer focused primarily on the candidate's resume, especially the battery management system project. They asked in-depth questions about the project, such as how the state of charge is measured, what functionalities the battery management system provides, and technical details related to the project.

Was there a focus on the candidate's academic background or extracurricular activities during the interview?

No, the interview did not focus on the candidate's academic background, extracurricular activities, or projects outside the core technical domain. The interview was strictly technical, with an emphasis on the candidate's expertise and understanding of relevant engineering concepts.

What was the unique aspect of this interview compared to typical placement interviews?

The unique aspect of this interview was its focus on technical knowledge and problem-solving skills, with no personal introduction or traditional interview questions about past experiences or extracurricular activities. The first round was a screening based solely on technical puzzles, and the second round focused on deep technical questions and project discussions.

How should candidates prepare for this type of interview?

Candidates should focus on having a strong grasp of fundamental engineering concepts, particularly those related to their specific domain. Practicing problem-solving, especially technical puzzles and numerical questions, is crucial. Additionally, candidates should be able to explain their thought process clearly and demonstrate a solid understanding of their projects, as interviewers often value the approach over the final answer.

What advice did the candidate give to upcoming students about preparing for placements?

The candidate advised upcoming students to think beyond their specific domain and explore cross-domain skills. They emphasized that energy engineering and renewables are growing fields and encouraged students to develop a broad skill set. Even if opportunities are not available on campus, students can pursue jobs outside if they possess the necessary skills.

What are some key considerations for online interviews, based on the candidate's experience?

The candidate suggested that for online interviews, it's essential to ensure a quiet and distraction-free environment. They also recommended preparing for the interview by getting familiar with online tools and conducting mock interviews or presentations. A secluded room with no noise or interruptions is vital for a successful online interview.