I was contacted by a recruiter to take an online test on the HackerEarth platform. Perhaps I had applied online sometime back.

I have around 1.5+ years of experience.

The online test was typical, focusing on Data Structures and Algorithms (DSAlgo) / Problem Solving.

After qualifying the online test, there were three online, face-to-face rounds focused on:

• DS/Algo
• Java frameworks and micro-services
• High and low-level design

I was unlucky as I was rejected after the first round. The first round, as I was told, would focus on DS/Algo, but I was also asked questions from core Java.

I believe I had a very good first round. I was able to finish the round before the assigned time and had a healthy discussion with the interviewer.

Later, I found out they were hiring for a Senior Java Developer with 3+ years of experience. If this was the case, they might not have shortlisted my CV for the online test in the first place.

This was a classic example of a hiring flaw that results in wasted candidate time.

Interview questions focused on problem-solving (Data Structures and Algorithms) and core Java.