ConsultAdd Software Engineer Interview Questions + Guide in 2024

ConsultAdd is a dynamic and rapidly growing consultancy firm specializing in IT and software solutions. Known for its innovative approach and client-centric services, ConsultAdd has built a solid reputation in the tech industry.

If you’re aiming for a Software Engineer position at ConsultAdd, you’ll need to demonstrate proficiency in data structures and algorithms (DSA), object-oriented programming (OOP), and database management systems (DBMS). Their interview process is typically multi-staged, involving coding rounds, technical interviews, and an HR round. Expect questions on core computer science subjects, project experiences, and practical problem-solving scenarios.

In this Interview Query guide, we’ll walk you through the entire interview process, key ConsultAdd software engineer interview questions, and essential preparation tips to help you succeed. Let’s dive in!

The interview process usually depends on the role and seniority; however, you can expect the following on a ConsultAdd software engineer interview:

Recruiter/Hiring Manager Call Screening

If your CV is among the shortlisted few, a recruiter from the ConsultAdd Talent Acquisition Team will contact you and verify key details like your experiences and skill level. Behavioral questions may also be part of the screening process.

Sometimes, the ConsultAdd Software Engineer hiring manager stays present during the screening round to answer your queries about the role and the company itself. They may also indulge in surface-level technical and behavioral discussions.

The whole recruiter call should take about 30 minutes.

Technical Virtual Interview

Successfully navigating the recruiter round will present you with an invitation for the technical screening round. Technical screening for the ConsultAdd Software Engineer role is usually conducted through virtual means, including video conference calls and screen sharing. Questions in this 1-hour long interview stage may revolve around data structures and algorithms (DSA), computer science (CS) fundamentals, and project-related questions.

• Typical DSA problems include:

  • Subset sum problem
  • Implementing a queue using stacks in Java
  • Sorting 0, 1, 2 without using a sorting algorithm

• Additional technical topics:

  • OOP concepts like polymorphism, inheritance, and abstraction
  • SQL queries, often combining multiple tables
  • Core CS subjects such as operating systems (OS), computer networks (CN), and database management systems (DBMS)

Onsite Interview Rounds

Followed by a second recruiter call outlining the next stage, you’ll be invited to attend the onsite interview loop. Multiple interview rounds, varying with the role, will be conducted during your day at ConsultAdd. Your technical prowess, including programming and problem-solving capabilities, will be evaluated against the finalized candidates throughout these interviews.

There are generally three rounds during the onsite interview:

1. First Technical Interview: Covers basic core CS subjects like OS, DBMS, CN, and Data Structures.
2. Second Technical Interview: Focuses on advanced DSA problems, project discussion, and additional SQL queries.
3. HR Interview: A typical HR round to discuss your background, expectations, and a fitment check.

Typically, interviews at ConsultAdd vary by role and team, but commonly, Software Engineer interviews follow a fairly standardized process across these question topics.

1. Would you suspect anything unusual about the A/B test results with 20 variants?

Your manager ran an A/B test with 20 different variants and found one significant result. Would you consider this result suspicious?

2. How would you set up an A/B test to optimize button color and position for higher click-through rates?

A team wants to A/B test changes in a sign-up funnel, such as changing a button from red to blue and/or moving it from the top to the bottom of the page. How would you design this test?

3. What steps would you take if friend requests on Facebook are down 10%?

A product manager at Facebook reports a 10% decrease in friend requests. What actions would you take to investigate and address this issue?

4. Why might the number of job applicants be decreasing despite stable job postings?

You observe that the number of job postings per day has remained constant, but the number of applicants has been steadily decreasing. What could be causing this trend?

5. What are the drawbacks of the given student test score datasets, and how would you reformat them for better analysis?

You have data on student test scores in two different layouts. What are the drawbacks of these formats, and what changes would you make to improve their usefulness for analysis? Additionally, describe common issues in “messy” datasets.

6. Is this a fair coin?

You flip a coin 10 times, and it comes up tails 8 times and heads twice. Determine if the coin is fair based on this outcome.

7. How would you write a function to calculate sample variance?

Write a function that outputs the sample variance given a list of integers. Round the result to 2 decimal places. For example, given test_list = [6, 7, 3, 9, 10, 15], the function should return 13.89.

8. How would you find the median in (O(1)) time and space?

Given a list of sorted integers where more than 50% of the list is the same repeating integer, write a function to return the median value in (O(1)) computational time and space. For example, given li = [1,2,2], the function should return 2.

9. How would you evaluate whether using a decision tree algorithm is the correct model for predicting loan repayment?

You are tasked with building a decision tree model to predict if a borrower will pay back a personal loan. How would you evaluate if a decision tree is the right choice, and how would you assess its performance before and after deployment?

10. How does random forest generate the forest, and why use it over logistic regression?

Explain the process by which a random forest generates its ensemble of trees. Additionally, discuss the advantages of using random forest over logistic regression.

11. When would you use a bagging algorithm versus a boosting algorithm?

Compare two machine learning algorithms. Describe scenarios where you would prefer a bagging algorithm over a boosting algorithm, and discuss the tradeoffs between the two.

12. How would you justify using a neural network for a business problem and explain its predictions to non-technical stakeholders?

Your manager asks you to build a neural network model to solve a business problem. How would you justify the complexity of the model and explain its predictions to non-technical stakeholders?

13. What metrics would you use to track the accuracy and validity of a spam classifier?

You are tasked with building a spam classifier for emails and have completed a V1 of the model. What metrics would you use to evaluate the model’s accuracy and validity?

14. Implement a function to find the shortest path in a graph using any shortest path algorithm.

You are given a graph represented as a 2D array where each cell value indicates the cost to traverse to that node. Also given are a start node and an end node. Your task is to find the shortest path from the start node to the end node.

You should plan to brush up on your technical skills and try as many practice interview questions and mock interviews as possible. A few tips for acing your ConsultAdd interview include:

1. Strong Foundation in DSA and SQL: Ensure you are well-versed in data structures, algorithms, and SQL queries. Practice medium to hard-level problems to stay prepared.

2. Core CS Fundamentals: Brush up on core computer science subjects such as operating systems, computer networks, and database management systems.

3. Understand OOP Concepts: Be clear on object-oriented programming principles like polymorphism, inheritance, and abstraction as these are frequently discussed topics.

What is the average salary for a Software Engineer at ConsultAdd?

What is the typical timeline for the interview process at ConsultAdd?

The interview process at ConsultAdd usually takes about one week from the initial application to the final decision. The timeline may vary based on the number of candidates and scheduling considerations.

What is the company culture like at ConsultAdd?

ConsultAdd has a supportive and collaborative company culture. The recruiters and interviewers are generally described as humble and helpful. The company values technical proficiency and problem-solving abilities, creating an environment where learning and growth are encouraged.

The overall interview experience for the ConsultAdd software engineer position was generally positive, with smooth and hassle-free procedures, despite the occasional tough challenge.

For detailed insights into the types of questions you might face and additional preparation tips, check out our Consultadd Interview Guide. Enhance your readiness with Interview Query’s tools to boost your confidence and clarity.

Good luck with your interview!