Cognizant Interview experience | GenC Category

My interview with Cognizant began on a light note, with the interviewer clarifying that the company operates with integrity and does not offer bribes. From there, the discussion transitioned to my resume and technical skills.

Technical Questions

Java

Since my primary skillset is in Java, the interviewer asked why Java is widely used and how it compares to other languages like Python, C++, and JavaScript. The discussion then moved into more detailed Java topics:

1. OOP Concepts in Java.
2. The use of the strictfp keyword.
3. Handling exceptions in Java.
4. The purpose of the Object class.
5. Why interfaces are preferred over abstract classes.

He asked around 6-7 in-depth questions on these topics, delving into the intricacies of Java.

SQL

The next focus area was SQL. Key questions included:

1. Difference between SQL and MySQL.
2. Why is SQL used?
3. Naming platforms that use SQL as a language.
4. Writing a query using an inner join.
5. Difference between DDL and DML commands.
6. Purpose of procedures and indexes in SQL.

While these questions required a solid understanding, the interviewer sought a general overview rather than in-depth answers.

Programming Challenges

The interviewer gave me three programming problems to solve on their platform:

1. A simple addition problem.
2. A program to generate the Fibonacci sequence using recursion.
3. Dividing an array of size n into sub-arrays of size m.

HR Questions

After the technical rounds, we moved to HR-related questions, which focused on my adaptability and teamwork skills:

1. Drawbacks and benefits of working in a team.
2. Where do you see yourself in five years?
3. Are you open to working in multiple locations?
4. Are you open to working day and night shifts?

Final Thoughts

The interview was conducted in a friendly and professional manner, making it an enjoyable experience. The interviewer showed genuine interest in understanding both my technical expertise and personal preferences.

For future aspirants:

• Be thorough with your primary programming language (e.g., Java, Python).
• Have a good understanding of SQL basics and be ready to write queries.
• Practice problem-solving for basic coding challenges.
• Be honest and confident during the HR round.

Overall, it was a pleasant and insightful process.