Introduction

Hello, fellow tech enthusiasts! 🌐 Today, I'm thrilled to share my experience navigating the selection process at Groww. Buckle up as I take you through the ins and outs of my application journey, dropping some valuable tips along the way. 🚀

First things first, what is Groww? In 2016, four visionaries – Lalit Keshre, Harsh Jain, Ishan Bansal, and Neeraj Singh – decided to embark on a mission to simplify investing. Thus, Groww was born in 2017, conceived by former Flipkart employees with a passion for making financial avenues more accessible. 🌱

Fast forward to October 24, 2021, and Groww hits a milestone with a substantial series E funding of $251 million, elevating its valuation to a remarkable $3 billion. An impressive feat for one of the leading fintech platforms. 💼💰

Now, let's delve into the heart of the matter – my selection process at Groww. From the initial application phase to the intricate dance of interviews, I'll be unveiling the journey step by step. Plus, stick around for some practical tips that served me well and might just become your secret weapons too. 🕵️‍♂️📝

Who am I?

Hey!! 👋 I'm Amit Samui, your friendly neighbourhood software wizard with a flair for frontend development and an upcoming SDE Frontend Intern at @Groww. 🚀 Currently riding the B.Tech wave in Computer Science and Engineering at Kalyani Government Engineering College.

Guess what? I'm not just your average code monkey; I've been part of winning squads in not one, but TWO reputed hackathons! 🏆🏆 You could say hacking is my cardio. 💻💪 I've dipped my toes in the internship pool, twice before. First as a Frontend developer in Mindwebs Ventures and the other as Statistical Research Intern at North Eastern Hill University.

Well Enough about me!!

Application process and Timeline

I initiated my application for the Groww internship on October 15th through a referral graciously provided by Mr. Pranjal Goyal.

Upon the successful shortlisting of my resume, I was assigned a task on October 26th, with a deadline for submission by October 30th.

Following a thorough evaluation, my assignment earned recognition, paving the way for a comprehensive 1.5-hour technical interview on November 6th.

Having successfully navigated the technical assessment, I progressed to the next stage, engaging in a Technical HR round on November 8th, which spanned a duration of one hour.

Advancing further, I found myself in a subsequent HR and cultural fit round. This interview, conducted on November 16th, delved into both professional compatibility and alignment with the organisational culture.

Discussions during Interview

Assignment Round:

For the assignment round, Groww presented me with a frontend challenge accompanied by a comprehensive document outlining the design and APIs to integrate, including both compulsory and optional "brownie points." The assignment, a task in Next.js 13, proved to be a valuable learning experience, pushing me to navigate the complexities of the framework.

Technical Interview Round:

Conducted by two seasoned professionals, Tanvi Rastogi ma'am and Yash Goyal sir, the technical interview began with a thorough introduction and a discussion about my projects. We delved into the assignment, exploring its features and shortcomings before diving into a comprehensive assessment of my technical skills.

HTML:

The significance of specifying !DOCTYPE in HTML.
Understanding attributes and semantics.

CSS:

Differentiating types of positions.
Explaining the box model.
Utilising CSS in various ways.
Handling situational questions on positions.

JavaScript:

Explaining promises in JavaScript.
Tackling callback hell.
Assessing my scope knowledge through code snippets.
1. what would be the output and why
2. what are different types of scopes
3. follow up questions on above


    for (var i = 0; i < 3; i++){
        setTimeout(() => console.log(i) , 100);
    }
    for (let i = 0; i < 3; i++) {
        setTimeout(() => console.log(i) , 100);
    }

solving the above problem to give the same output using closures.
Understanding setTimeout and implementing setInterval using setTimeout.

DOM and Browser Questions:

Describing how the DOM is painted in a browser.
Defining web APIs.

React and Next.js:

Highlighting the distinctions between React and Next.js.
Discussing scenarios for using React or Next.js.
Delving into hydration, server-side rendering, and their advantages.
Examining local storage, session storage, and cookie storage.
Comparing React's superiority to traditional HTML, CSS, and JS websites.
Understanding SSR mechanisms in Next.js.
Exploring caching API responses and discussing recent updates.

Technical HR Round:

Conducted by Shivesh Raj sir, this round commenced with an introduction and delved into a detailed discussion about my projects. Subsequently, we explored topics related to React, Angular, and various frontend libraries and frameworks, discussing their applications and merits. Shivesh Raj sir offered valuable suggestions, emphasising the significance of exploring Backbone.js.

Cultural Fit HM Round:

The final round focused on assessing my personality, behavior, and reflections on previous internships.Questions like my biggest failures and how do I channelize my anger and frustration with some valuable suggestions. We discussed my learning experiences and views, creating a well-rounded understanding of my cultural fit within the organisation.

My InterviewExperience.

The interview experience at Groww was exceptional, characterised by a welcoming and friendly atmosphere. The interviewers, akin to supportive elder siblings, prioritized my comfort, turning the process into an engaging discussion rather than a formal interrogation. Their subtle hints and guidance created a collaborative dynamic, making it feel like a shared exploration of ideas.

What truly set this experience apart was the understanding that the interviewers genuinely aimed to welcome new talent. It transformed the traditional interview stress into a positive partnership, where I felt encouraged to showcase both my skills and personality.

In interviews, as in life, it's not just about answering questions; it's about playing alongside, confidently showcasing your strengths, and exceeding expectations.

Tips I followed and would suggest aswell!!

Adapt to the Shift: In today's job market, proficiency in Data Structures and Algorithms (DSA) is crucial, but don't sideline development skills. Striking a balance between DSA and development is the new norm.
Think Long-Term: During uncertain times, focus on long-term goals. Instead of chasing quick wins, invest in skills and experiences that will benefit you in the future.
Leverage Connections: Referrals are becoming standard, but don't underestimate the power of cold emails. Standing out in recruiters' inboxes can make a significant difference.
Build Your Brand: Set yourself apart by creating a personal brand. Showcase your work through a portfolio and various platforms. With growing competition, distinguishing yourself is key.
Surround Yourself: A robust support system of friends and family is invaluable during the job search. Their encouragement can make the journey more manageable and uplifting.
Master a Skill: Instead of spreading yourself thin, become a master in a specific skill. Being irreplaceable in one area sets you apart and opens doors for further exploration.

Acknowledgements (channel i followed for the prep)

Last-Minute Revision Channels:

Akshay Saini's Namaste JavaScript: Akshay Saini's insightful content on Namaste JavaScript has been a lifesaver for last-minute revisions. His clear explanations and in-depth coverage make it an invaluable resource, especially when brushing up on JavaScript concepts.
Roadside Coder: Roadside Coder's channel provides a quick and practical refresher for coding challenges. The hands-on approach and real-world problem-solving scenarios are ideal for those final review sessions, helping solidify understanding.
Interview.Js for Tricky Questions: When it comes to tackling tricky interview questions, Interview.Js stands out as a go-to channel. The comprehensive breakdowns of challenging problems and strategic approaches offered by this channel are a perfect aid for those final preparations.

In the eleventh hour, these channels and documentations serve as reliable companions, offering concise yet effective content to boost confidence and sharpen skills. Whether it's clarifying concepts or tackling complex problems, these resources have proven to be a great asset in the final stretch of preparation.

Conclusion

Navigating the job hunt felt like a roller coaster, and my friends—Shiwangi, Soumyajit, Surbhi, and Rupam—were my emotional seatbelts. Their constant motivation not only eased the interview process but also made the entire job search less daunting. Job hunting can be frustrating, but with friends like mine, it became an uplifting journey. Cheers to the comrades who turned uncertainties into shared victories! 🚀🤝 #JobHuntJourney #FriendshipFuel

Social Links

🌐 portfolio - https://amitsamui.in

linkediN - https://www.linkedin.com/in/amit-samui-3780631ba/

Github - https://github.com/AmitSamui

Behance - https://www.behance.net/amitsamui

Email - amitsamui257@gmail.com