Software Engineers at interview

As an experienced  software engineer and after having a flavor of MNC cultures across years,  I feel  I am a cool techie, sophisticated enough not to attend crowded interviews. Saturday interview takes me to another level of suspiciousness.  Moreover when you have never heard of the existence of such  a company on earth,  forget Gurgaon.

I checked with consultant "I hope this is not a walk in".

"ummm, hmm ....No this is not a walk in. But you may have other candidates for this position" she replied giving me another booster of wickedness.

I was doubtful about visiting this event hosted at a grand hotel in GGN some 40 kms from my place, till morning of saturday.  Still I thought to give it a try with an iota of lucrative offer of visiting a 5 star. I took my friend as I needed someone to drive me and moreover for a good company.  

Being an easy going and fun loving person, I am happy in life with small little things.  I love IT companies for their drives in 5 stars hotels. 

The receptionist just poked as we entered the hotel "for interview?"

We nodded our heads with a "Yes".

"This way" he replied.

I could see a bunch of HRs in black formal suits.

"You can have a seat inside. Coffee, Tea and Water are there" said the person in black suit as we reached the breakout area.

The best part of attending such interviews at five stars is that you get to drink the boring beverages for free which cost you hundred of bucks otherwise. A feel good factor always.

As we enter the hall inside I could see a bunch of people sitting around round tables. All with faces as sulky as India has lost a match against Pakistan.  

On the corner of the hall a person with laptop was accompanied by wife and kid. This looked a bit casual. "May be, he is from the panel" we discussed.

On my left table a newly wedded girl with lots of chura bangles got her mother along. Looked like she was practicing the question answers by quickly writing on paper. Performance pressure is what we call this.

The male hiring coordinator was as dull as the crowd. "Do we have Mr. X here ?" with a low pitch as if he is also a fresher.

The table next to me had few young girls discussing all the questions and answers given by them. This was the most exciting bunch.

"They are asking about Soap/SOA.... and I replied ..........."  followed by giggles and chirruping.

Looking at them I thought "how come four girls attend an interview together?  I never got such a chance to be with any known person at a common interview".

My friend, another techie started working on his macbook which he always carries just to ensure that he doesn't miss any millisecond away from code. Meanwhile we kept on chit chating about the threatening environment created due to interview, with all the persons looking at each other but as soundless as if they have been bullied by the panel.

I have always felt that in interviews, there is no formal dress code for girls in IT. Wear anything, behave like anything is the mantra. On the other hand, boys look like that they have all the pressure of the company on their shoulders. Or they pretend to look so serious that they would be offered lead or managerial positions with all the amusing girls in junior roles.  Infact boys always feel that girls do not know anything but still they do well in projects, courtesy the fellow associates who help them in their tasks. Few managers do not hire female candidates, thanks to this gender prejudice.

"Do we have Deepti Sharma here?"  I heard my name being called as I was busy observing the scene.

"Yes".

I went for my first technical round in another hall. The interviewer was a boy, who looked simple and easy as I  answered his questions. After few theoretical typical interview questions, he asked me to write one simple sql and having written that correctly I felt I have won the war. Database testing skills is what  I can fascinate the interviewer always with.

"I am done. You have to wait" he said.

Me and my friend moved to the breakout area to grab tea. I loved the typical V shaped glasses which we see normally on road side tea stalls.

"Lets have it from the other machine". We decided.

"This has coffee as well, lets have coffee" I suggested. Being a girl you always get a chance to decide first on the menu when in the company of any of your male friends.

I pressed the coffee button in a hurry and realized that coffee with milk is another option.

"Oh this means this is black coffee. OK I will have it. Why to waste now" I said as I was confident of my taste buds equally supportive to gobble up anything bitter as well.

My friend grabbed Coffee with milk.

We finished with our coffees enjoying at the counter and discussing the interiors of the area.  

"Deepti Sharma, please come". I quickly got down from the bar chair.

The coordinator took me to another room with partitions across.

Another round of interview by Mr. something something.. Lots of scenarios based questions.

"Thanks, I am done. Do you have any questions" he asked.

"Yes what kind of profile you are looking for?" I asked my favorite question which I fit in all the interviews I go for.

I left the hall after hearing half heartedly to his answer. This question was just to ask something.

The hr coordinator came back and asked me "We will get back to you on monday, you can leave for the day".

"Okay". I replied.

We left to accomplish other tasks of the day shopping followed by friends get together.