I had an initial phone interview which covered very specific questions regarding design patterns, principles, and testing methodologies. During this interview, I was also asked a brainteaser, which was very difficult. The interviewer did, in fact, say that nobody ever solves it. It was more to get an idea of how you would approach problem-solving.

I didn't think it went well, but I was asked to attend a face-to-face interview. Actually, it turned out to be three face-to-face interviews.

Firstly, a technical interviewer asked lots of questions about my previous architecture and design experience and implementations. There were also some SQL questions relating to indexes (clustered, non-clustered) and similar topics.

Secondly, I met with a potential member of the team I would be working with. This was the most pleasant interview of the lot, as it wasn't as in-your-face or trying to grill you.

Thirdly, I met the manager overseeing the EU/Asia development teams. Again, someone who wanted to discredit everything I said with his superior knowledge and experience.

How would you go about designing a car?

Clustered, non-clustered indexes in SQL Server architecture.