First, there was an aptitude test. Comprised of logical questions and SQL queries. Some SQL queries were really difficult. Second, there was a technical interview in which I was asked basic logical questions like how do I swap numbers without using a temporary variable. Third, there was one more technical interview, in which I was asked some OOPS related concepts and SQL queries. Fourth was the HR interview in which questions like "Why should we hire you?" were asked.

The hiring process for EXXAT was very streamlined from the start to the end. I have never seen such a smooth hiring process in any of the firms that I have interviewed so far. Some key pointers here that I wanted to mention about my interview process - - The first round was with a Senior Product Manager where I was asked about my work experience and a few basic questions on the tech stack and software development principles. The interviewer took keen interest in listening to me and asked very relevant questions. This round tests your ability to understand your current work and role and display your proficiency in software design and development principles. The interviewer had had the most exposure to the firm since they had been there since it’s inception. They were able to provide very detailed insights into the firm’s operating model and the expectations that an employee can have. It helped me gauge how people work and operate at this firm. This was an hour long conversation. - The second round was with the Architect who further probed my technical knowledge and asked all the right questions about my current work and the challenges that I have faced. There was a small coding round which was to test my understanding of the basic OOPs concepts and my proficiency with C# code (as this was what I was proficient in). The interview aims to test your confidence in coding and your ability to dissect the problem statement and provide a solution. All the questions are going to be around your own abilities. It’s best to stick to what you know and present exactly what you have done with full honesty and sincerity. The interviewer had around 1.5 decades of experience working on large scale tech solutions and products. He was extremely knowledgeable and drove the interview with the right spirit. Towards the end of the interview my question to the interviewer were around the tech stack and architecture used at EXXAT and about their transition from a big firm to a startup like environment. This helped me gauge the diversity of the firm and the kind of experience offered by the firm. This was an hour long conversation. - The third round was with the Director of Technology who tested my software architecture and system design skills through complex problem statements. It didn’t really feel like an interview. It was fun solving these problems where I was able to put my analytical skills to the test and understand the logical gaps in my concepts. I didn’t get everything right. However, I remained honest with my attempt and did my best to do whatever I can. The interviewer walked me through the solution and was able to introduce a thought process which will remain with me for the rest of my life. This was a candid one hour long conversation full of tech problems, discussions around TDD, team management, etc. The interviewer is a seasoned technology professional with almost two decades of experience in building products. At the same time he was very humble and polite. At the end the interviewer asked me about my expectations and one line stuck with me - “You will get to work with the best of the people here” Post this I got a call from the HR within a few hours and I was told that I have completed all the round of interview and that the only thing pending was a informal discussion with the CPO/CTO of EXXAT. - The last round (this was not an interview but a casual discussion. If you are having this, it means that you have cleared the interview process) was with the CPO/CTO of the firm. This was one of the most honest and open conversation that I have ever had with a leader. The purpose of this discussion was for the leader to share some details about the firm and then answer my questions(I had prepared a list of 7-8 questions that I wanted to ask him). In his introduction, he had already answered around 4-5 of them. He was very polite and a true professional as he answered all the questions honestly and provided detailed insights into the firm’s vision, business and the path forward. This was the first time I was up close with someone from the top leadership who was able to provide honest and direct answers to tough questions which probed the strengths and weaknesses of the firm. I was glad that I had this lovely conversation. At the end of the conversation, I was informed that the team as ready to make an offer to me. Overall, the whole interview experience was amazing. The evaluation process is very fair and contains a good share of technical and non-technical elements. During the whole interview process, you could feel that this was a place where people are willing to hear what you have to say. There was timely feedback from the HR as well which was a first for me. Kudos to the whole team for making this experience the best one for me so far !