PubMatic Senior Software Developer Interview Questions and Answers

Round: Test
Experience: A coding test (Students were asked to bring Laptops)
Tips: Be thorough with C/C++, networking, OS, Data structures and architecture
Duration: 90 minutes

Round: Interview
Experience: 3 rounds of interview, one hour each, all technical 
Interview Process:All the three rounds are oriented around programming. A lot of focus was given to Data structures, C/C++, OS and algorithmsThe code from previous test is shown and they expect you to fix any bugs if thereThe interviewers are quietly friendly and help if you get stuck at any pointIf you do have any related projects, anticipate some thorough questions on that
Tips: Though the interviewers are helpful, get your basics clear early on. Don't rely on them.Practice coding sessions, a lot of companies have them as a shortlisting criteria.

College Name: IIT Madras

Round: Interview
Experience: They tested on thought-process during design problems. What problems are with the current solution I suggested and how to improve it...
Tips: Hints from interviewer are very helpful
Keep talking while you are thinking

Skills: Algorithms, Thinking Skills, Coding
College Name: IIT KHARAGPUR

Round: Resume Shortlist
Experience: The first round was a resume shortlist, which I think was on the basis of programming and coding courses (and projects) taken along with your CGPA. Out of 10 shortlisted people, I knew 4 and all of us were 9 pointers. The rest who I didn't know turned out to be 9 pointers as well! :P
Out of 10 shortlisted people, 3 (including me) were from ECE and the rest were from CS. Even though InMobi was open for Mathematics & Computing, no person from MnC dept. was in the shortlist. (Presumably due to their CGPAs or some other criterion that I'm not in the knowledge of.)
Tips: i) High CGPA is a must (We're talking above 9, at the end of 2nd year for CS/ECE and 3rd year for MnC)
ii)Taking programming and algorithm courses and projects is important, as that must be visible in your resume.

Round: Puzzle Interview
Experience: One special thing about the interviews, you're asked not to wear any formals! That actually helps in taking the tension off of things!
It's simple logic, after that. Increase the lift's speed (taking in mind of the safety), collecting usage data, optimising the lift's floor-stoppage according to that.
As told after the interview, the interviewer is just observing how you think and approach a problem.

One odd thing was not being asked about any coding/algorithm questions even though the profile was for a software engineer.

After this question, I was asked if I had any questions to ask. I simply stated that the work environment and culture affected me as much as the profile I'm applying for. Thus, the drive and motivation of the people who work there is also very important. So I asked what are the companies' values which the employees believe in, too.
Tips: Stay confident, don't let any tension get to your head.
In the future, InMobi may start asking coding questions too in the interviews. or change the selection procedure, which will be communicated in the PPT of InMobi.
Whatever may happen, the first round should show your zeal to solve problems, your creativity in trying different approaches, and applying logic to find the best solution.

Round: HR Interview
Experience: OK! There were a lot of questions asked since the interview was more like a conversation taking place. Like in ANY conversation, keep proper eye contact, smile and be approachable for any questions. Show enthusiasm in your voice and your answers. The interviewer asked me questions about
i)My resume, and all the activities that I'd listed there. (eg: Why did you enlist in this course? Do you like coding?)
ii)Why programming, how does it interest you?
iii)Basic questions about InMobi, like 'What do you know about us after attending the PPT?' and 'Why InMobi'

Since I had done quite a lot of marketing activities, I was also asked about that. Will you do an MBA in the future? What all did you do for marketing? I had a strong background in digital marketing, and we had a little chat about mobile marketing and what's the future of mobile advertising.
Tips: Smile, for god's sake! It's a conversation about you, do all the basic things to improve the conversational experience.
Small things like greeting the interviewer, smiling, proper eye contact, and speaking properly are paramount.

Like in any HR interview, make sure you know yourself and your resume properly, so that you don't phase out in the interview when asked some 'unexpected' question. (since that's when they know thatyou might be lying/exaggerating). Hence introspect enough before sitting the interviews.

General Tips: Make sure you're able to convince yourself and the interviewers for why do you want to work in Inmobi Technolgies.

I've already shared the rest in previous sections! :)

2 people out of 10 were selected for this internship experience, so make sure you prepare well! All the best! :D

Skill Tips: I don't think that this adds on as a skill, but InMobi wants to create a huge impact on the mobile world and the mobile advertising sector.
Your knowledge about this sector in general could help you strike good conversations (at least in the HR round).
Skills: Logic, Problem Solving Abilties, Creativity, Communication Skills
Duration: 2.5
College Name: IIT Kharagpur
Motivation: I'm a gadget geek from my childhood. The mobile industry amazes me as it's been the biggest change-bringer in the modern world. InMobi as a company wants to create a huge impact in the mobile advertising space and mobile advertising! And seeing their products that they offer in this domain had me thinking that they're doing something unique and awesome!
The work culture of InMobi is just amazing, right from flexible work hours to the epic office they have in Bangalore full of awesome people working towards that one goal! Also, InMobi offers their employees opportunities to shift between various verticals if they want to. All of this (along with a good compensation ;-) ) was enough motivation for me to apply!
Funny Moments: When I was asked whether I was in the third year, I said yes, and then said, usually people think that I'm still in high school!
We had a good laugh on that one! :P

Otherwise also, the entire procedure was relaxed and fun in general.

College Name: NA

Topics to prepare for Amagi Media Labs Software Engineer interview:

• Data Structures
• Maths
• puzzles

Interview preparation tips for other job seekers - focus is on checking basic coding and problem solving skills. a separate round for testing mathematical ability was a surprise.

Interview preparation tips for other job seekers - Good Java/Programming knowledge required

Interview preparation tips for other job seekers - Medium level interview rounds. Basic knowledge in dsa will be of a great help

Interview preparation tips for other job seekers - The overall interview experience was very good.