IIM Indore Interview Experience
Education : BTECH Electrical
3 years IT Experience
Gender : Female
Day of the Interview:
The day started early as I prepared myself for the much-anticipated IIM Indore interview. I reached the campus well in advance to calm my nerves and soak in the atmosphere. The interview session was scheduled to start at 10 AM. I was assigned to Panel-5 and was the second person to be interviewed out of 15 candidates on this panel.
Panel Composition and Age:
There were five panels conducting interviews simultaneously. My panel consisted of two middle-aged panelists, one female (F) and one male (M). Both seemed experienced and had a welcoming demeanor which helped ease my initial anxiety.
Interview Start
The interview began at around 10:10 AM and lasted for about 10-11 minutes.
Me: “Good afternoon.”
Panel: “Good afternoon, please have a seat.”
Interview Questions and Responses
F: Introduce yourself.
Me: Gave a concise introduction about my background, education, and current job in the software industry in Delhi.
F: Your hobbies are mainly related to sports. Can you elaborate?
Me: “I’ve been engaged in sports since childhood, and it’s something that has stayed with me throughout my life. It helps me maintain a balance and keeps me motivated.”
F: Why did you leave Infosys?
Me: Provided a well-prepared answer highlighting my reasons for seeking new challenges and growth opportunities.
M: Tell us about your job profile in the current company.
Me: Explained my job profile and responsibilities in detail.
M: Is your role more of an editor or a reviewer?
Me: “My role includes both editing and reviewing responsibilities.”
M: Do you hold any stock shares in your company?
Me: “No, I do not hold any stock shares.”
M: What’s the difference between an article and a blog?
Me: “Blogs are typically informal and often reflect personal experiences or opinions, whereas articles are fact-based and concise.”
M: Which subject in Computer Science are you comfortable with?
Me: “I am currently engaged with Data Structures and Algorithms (DSA), so I am most confident in that area.”
M: Can you name some sorting algorithms?
Me: Listed several algorithms but initially missed Heap Sort.
M: “And Heap Sort?”
Me: “Yes, Heap Sort is also there.
M: What is Big O and small o in algorithms?
Me: “They are mathematical notations used to describe the runtime complexity of algorithms.”
M: Are they related to the worst-case scenario?
Me: “We can express best, average, and worst-case complexities using these notations.”
M: Why is the time complexity of Bubble Sort O(n²)?
Me: [Explained the reasoning behind the time complexity in detail.]
F: What is algorithmic bias?
Me: Answered the question, providing an example of algorithmic bias.]
F: Did you choose your current company because of a teaching inclination?
Me: “Partly, yes. I have a knack for teaching and was involved in teaching clubs during college. My internship experience also played a role in my decision.”
F: Why pursue an MBA then?
Me: [Gave a well-prepared answer focusing on career goals and aspirations.]
F: Do you aim for a leadership position or an executional role in five years?
Me: “I aspire to be in a leadership position.”
F: Do you have any new ideas in mind?
Me: “Currently, no specific ideas, but I remain open to opportunities and innovations.”
Political and General Awareness Questions
M: What is your view on the freebies provided in Delhi?
Me: “Freebies can provide immediate relief to citizens but should be balanced with sustainable economic policies to avoid long-term financial strain on the government.”
M: How can the issue of unemployment be addressed?
Me: “By promoting skill development programs, encouraging entrepreneurship, and investing in emerging sectors, we can create more job opportunities.”
Conclusion
The interview concluded with both panelists nodding in agreement. We exchanged pleasantries and I left the room feeling confident.
What the Panel Looks for in a Candidate
The panel seemed to focus on a candidate’s clarity of thought, confidence, and ability to handle stress. They were interested in understanding my background, reasons for career moves, and aspirations.
How to Prepare for the Interview
- Know Your Resume: Be thorough with every detail mentioned in your resume.
- Current Affairs: Stay updated with current events and have an opinion on them.
- Technical Knowledge: Be clear on your fundamental technical knowledge and be prepared to answer related questions.
- Behavioral Questions: Prepare for questions related to your career choices and future goals.
- Practice: Mock interviews can help in building confidence and improving your delivery.
Overall, it was a rigorous but fair process, designed to assess both my knowledge and personality.