Applied through Naukri. Opening was for Wavefront team (recently acquired by Vmware). JD had couple of key technologies that weren't in my skillset, but still I got a call.
HR told that they are setting up the team from scratch (core team is in US), and I am the first one to be interviewed. Their R&D team members will conduct the interview. I was invited for onsite interview, which was supposed to be 4 rounds, and one round with US team as well.
On interview day, I had to wait for over an hour to start the discussion. HR wasn't even bothered to check with if I had gotten into the discussion or not.
1st and 2nd Tech round - Bookish DS, Algo, Core Java questions from Junior Engineers
3rd Tech round - Senior Staff was busy attending his personal call couple of times, while I was waiting for discussion to continue. Asked about current project design/architecture and improvisation, Java performance tuning, benchmarking, production issues, multi-threading.
4th Tech round - Architect/Senior Staff asked me to explain current project architecture and my contribution. Gave a design/architecture problem (use case was hypothetical and didn't have any real-time connect, so it appeared silly). Asked about handling production issues/customer issues/support.
5th managerial round - Manager asked typical questions - why vmware, what is your career goal, etc., Made a point that the core team is in US, and there will be calls to attend on daily basis after office hours around 9ish. I hinted that I cannot commit but will to think through and work out. Also asked me if could handle team of 3 to 4 members, whereas JD mentioned that role was IC.
Asked me if I could wait for an hour for a discussion with Director. It was already 4.30pm, and I had some other appointment, so requested if I could come in next day. He agreed that he would arrange for a casual walk-in.
I waited for 4-5days, as this was during Diwali holidays, no response from HR. I tried following up, and HR said she needs time to gather feedback. No response after that, and I gave up!
I sense that they weren't sure of setting up team here.
I generally see, questions on real-time use cases and asking HLD, LLD and coding some component. This is so strange that they still look for bookish knowledge.
