Tractebel Consulting Engineers Interview Questions and Answers

Round: Test
Experience: Normal typing test and some aptitude question

Round: Resume Shortlist
Experience: For CSE and EE students , CPI was not at all seem to be a criteria for shortlisting and almost all who have a decent profile got shortlisted for the test. However, for other department students they shortlisted above 9 CPI students.

Round: Test
Experience: It was a 2 hour test. It consisted of 3 sections-Quant , Machine Learning and Computer Science . Each section had 10 questions and 45 minutes were allotted for each section.
Being from non-CSE background I attempted only 2 sections ie. Quant and Machine Learning. Machine Learning section was fairly easy this time and almost all questions were standard. If someone has done an introductory course on Machine Learning and basic stats , this section was a cake walk for him. However , attempting quant section required some preparation of solving probability puzzles (computing expectations etc.) ,basic linear algebra and geometry base questions.
Duration: 2 hours

Round: Technical Interview
Experience: I had 2 rounds of interview. Both were technical ones.
In the first interview , they asked some probability puzzles (from 50 challenging problems in probability book) . Since I had completed that book before , I was able to solve them . Then they asked 1-2 algorithm based questions like formulate an efficient algorithm for solving a particular problem. I was not able to solve them completely but tried to give them the overview of y approach. The interviewer didn't seem to be satisfied though. It lasted for around 20-25 minutes.He told me to wait outside . To my surprise, I was called for the 2nd round.
The second went better than the first round. They again asked questions on computing probability , expectations , constructing a Markov Chain for a a given problem etc. Since I had done 1 course in Fiance also , he asked me questions from it also which were quite easy. Then he began asking algorithms and asked me to explain a sorting algorithm and I chose Quick Sort. While explaining it , I got struck at one point but the interviewer was helping me by giving hints and I was able to explain it fully. The second round was quite exhaustive as it went on for around 45-60 minutes.

Skills: Problem Solving Abilties, Mathematical Aptitude, Algorithmic Approach To Problem Solving, Machine Learning, Statistical Method Basics
College Name: IIT Kanpur

Round: Resume Shortlist
Experience: McKinsey looks for a spike in your resume, people who have commendable achievements is their field of choice, academics, extra curriculars or sports. So be sure to make your resume accordingly. McKinsey adds a lot of weight-age to formal awards, scholarships, achievements (like inter-IIT) etc. But if you don?t have them (like me) you just have to make extra effort to show that you have equivalent achievements.

Round: Technical + HR Interview
Experience: First I was asked about myself and mostly my connection to dance and the dance club. (Some interviewers do this to make you comfortable at the same time analyzing your personality). In the first interview I was given an estimation case about the dish TV industry. Here the interviewer was mostly interested in my approach to solving the problem and if applicable my numerical skills. The second interview was a pure business case about the printing business. Here my creativity and business sense (read common sense as applicable to a business situation) was put to test.
Tips: Take on every interview as if that job doesn?t mean anything to you.

Round: Test
Experience: Very easy questions. Practice R.S Agarwal aptitude and verbal books.
Duration matters. Solve the questions fast.Skip the questions if you think you don't know dont kill time on them.

In verbal most of the questions on subject verb agrement-wikipedia links are enough to practice on them.

It's easy just try to solve as many as u can and dont leave the questions unanswered,no negative marking.
Duration: 80 minutes
Total Questions: 120

Skill Tips: Talk in english. Be confident. smile in face.
Skills: c Language, Thinking ability, English fluency
College Name: K L University
Funny Moments: Im very bad in solving puzzles. The HR over there asking puzzles to every one.
It's my turn the 1st question he asked me was what are you bad at?
no 2nd thought I said solving puzzles...In that way he didnt ask me any puzzles. He checked my confidence, english fluency...e.t.c.

Round: Resume Shortlist
Experience: generally the questions were asked from the hobbies which i mentioned in the resume,so be honest
Tips: never over do things write what you are

Round: Test
Duration: 70 min minutes

General Tips: be positive never give up and take one step at a time
Skills: presence of mind, spoken skills specially english, body language
College Name: KIIT UNIVERSITY
Motivation: brand and working environment
Funny Moments: once u r placed every moment is happy and funny...

Round: Test
Experience: There was 7 sections. And each section has a 60% sectional cutoff
Tips: Attempt questions which you know and you are confident about
Duration: 50 minutes
Total Questions: 70

Round: Story writing
Experience: Write a story based on picture
Tips: No grammatical errors must be there

Round: Technical Interview
Experience: 1 hour interview but based on technical and daily life
Tips: Be confident

Round: HR Interview
Experience: Just a simple round..bcoz u are almost selected
Tips: Be positive

Skills: Communication And Confidence

General Tips: I have no good feedback my experience is not good
Skills: Communication, Body Language, Presentation Skills
Duration: <1 week

Round: Resume Shortlist
Experience: Keywords that I put in of the technology, tools , experience.. (I guess )

General Tips: Just stay calm. Do not show fake experience, Speak genuinely, Answer to the point and explain if you have to add on more depending on your experience. Do not be over confident. Speak start to the eyes
Skills: Communication, Problem Solving, Analytical Skills, Leadership, Presentation Skills, Decision Making Skills
Duration: 1-3 Months