My First Offer Letter

Vishal GoriVishal Gori
4 min read

Table of contents

About Institutional Shareholder Services

ISS (Institutional Shareholder Services) is a leading provider of solutions for the financial market. Founded in 1985, ISS offers services in corporate governance and responsible investment. Its indices and analytics tools are trusted worldwide for financial decision-making and portfolio management.

This article outlines my preparation , interview experience, and tips for the ISS placement drive.

Preparation Strategy: Building the Foundation

Timeline

I began preparing after my Semester 6 results during the summer break. My seniors advised focusing on Java for ISS and other companies as it’s their preferred language. Previously, I practiced DSA in C++, but I switched to Java to align with ISS requirements.

Resources Used

DSA Preparation

  • Striver’s A to Z Sheet: Focused on Arrays, Linked Lists, HashMaps, Stacks, Queues, and Basic Trees.
    Playlist Link

Java Mastery

  • Core Java: Telusko’s tutorial on Core Java.
    Watch here

  • OOPs in Java: Kunal Kushwaha’s in-depth playlist.
    Watch here

SQL and Aptitude

Output-Based MCQs

Mock Interviews

I practiced mock interviews with seniors, which helped reduce nervousness and sharpen my responses. Their feedback was invaluable.

Placement Process:

Eligibility Criteria

  • Branches: CMPN, INFT, AI&DS, ETRX, EXTC

  • CGPA: Minimum 8.5 with no live ATKT or academic gaps.

Registration

  • Registration Date: July 17, 2024

  • Deadline: July 18, 2024

  • Role Preferences: Software Engineer (1st choice), Software Engineer in Test (2nd choice)

Rounds Overview

Round 1: Aptitude Test

  • Format: Google Form, 90 minutes

  • Sections: Java (18 Q), Python (17 Q), SQL (5 Q), Aptitude (30 Q)

  • Marking Scheme: +1 for correct answers, -0.25 for incorrect answers

My Experience

  • Started with SQL (easy), followed by Java (moderate), Python (tricky for me), and finally Aptitude (time-consuming).
  • Used elimination methods for SQL and skipped overly complex questions in Aptitude to save time.

Results: Out of 290 students, 45 were selected for the next round. I was thrilled to be among them.

Round 2: Technical Interview

Duration: 35-40 minutes

Key Questions

  1. How would you implement a HashMap with an Employee object as the key?

  2. Explain abstract classes and their constructors.

  3. What are interfaces, and what access modifiers can they have?

  4. How do you define a public final variable in an interface? Can you modify it later?

  5. How does a database handle duplicate data entries?

  6. How does the Virtual DOM work in React?

  7. Write a connect function for a database (parameters required: URL, username, password).

Tips

  • Be calm and deliberate in your answers.

  • If stuck, explain your thought process honestly.

  • Revise Java core concepts and Technologies mentioned in your Resume thoroughly.

Round 3: HR Interview

Duration: 20 minutes

Key Questions

  1. Tell me about your background and family.

  2. Why ISS, and why not pursue higher studies?

  3. Would you consider a testing role if offered?

  4. What project are you most proud of, and why?

The HR round was conversational and focused on assessing my fit for the role and company culture.

Final Results

Out of 21 students selected for HR, 16 received offers, including me! The journey was long but worth the effort.

My Takeaways

  1. Prepare Strategically: Focus on the company’s preferred tech stack.

  2. Stay Honest: It’s okay not to know everything—admitting it shows your honesty.

  3. Snacks and water: Stay hydrated and have snacks handy for a long day.

  4. Keep Calm: Nervousness can cloud your thinking; take deep breaths.

  5. Seek Help: Don’t hesitate to reach out to seniors or friends for guidance.

  6. Stay Positive: Even after long hours, a positive attitude makes a difference.

  7. Tailor Your Resume: Highlight skills relevant to the role you’re applying for.

Contact Me

These are my profiles—feel free to connect:

This was my ISS placement journey. I hope it helps future aspirants crack their dream roles. If you have any questions, feel free to connect!

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campus placementISS Recruitmentdevelopmentfirst job as a software engineer

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Vishal Gori
Vishal Gori