Historical data shows that candidates who are well-versed in industry knowledge and deep tech are highly sought after by tech innovation companies.
Uttam Ramamurthy, principal software engineer and one of the first builder catalyst hires at Intuit India, speaks about his interview experience by defining the various assessments—and how thorough preparation not only demonstrates commitment but also interest in the role.
He was initially contacted by an Intuit recruiter via LinkedIn InMail. It was a detailed process that involved a screening by a technical recruiter who gauged whether his skills matched the role’s requirements—giving him a high-level overview of the focus areas and what the position entailed.
Preparing for the process helped him uncover Intuit’s product strategy and our focus on customer obsession. Uttam adopted an entrepreneurial mindset and invested the necessary time to be fully ready. His insights serve as a valuable roadmap for candidates in their technology career—aspiring to join Intuit India.
Hear directly from Uttam
Initial screening
I really enjoyed the phone screening with the Intuit assessor. It was a great chance for us to get a good understanding of the role and discuss how I could bring value with my skills and experience. The assessor was thoughtful and gave a detailed overview of the position, which helped me see more clearly how I could fit in and contribute. Their approach made the screening not just informative, but also really engaging.
Craft demonstration
Intuit’s crafting process is distinctive. I had the opportunity to consider various essential topics from multiple perspectives to address customer needs. This process might differ for staff software engineers and higher positions. It included problems related to data structures and algorithms specifically chosen to assess skills such as coding proficiency, logical reasoning, and problem-solving. For example, the problem I tackled involved finding the maximum sum of any contiguous subarray within an array of integers.
I underwent four rounds where I presented the craft, delivered a comprehensive walkthrough of the low-level design, and detailed how AI concepts could enhance solutions. During these sessions, a panel of five experts extensively cross-questioned my knowledge, pushing for deeper understanding and insights into the solution’s practical applications and robustness. Some of these tips for a software engineer interview can help navigate the process with confidence.
Here’s a split view of my craft assignment as part of Intuit’s Assess for Awesome (A4A) process:
- Design presentation: Lasting 75 minutes, it primarily concentrates on design and innovative concepts, sparking interest and reducing the focus on coding. This format encourages strategic thinking about system development and crafting unique technical solutions. It mirrors the experience of product building, aiming for success at every level. The process also delves into specific details, such as the integration of multiple AI and ML components, which creates a distinct and enriching experience.
- Boundaryless collaboration: As a builder catalyst, I unite various groups to efficiently assemble the final code. So, the panel inquired about my past collaborative experiences and how I would bring different teams together for successful project completion. It reflects my comprehensive thought process that is expected in this role. We talked about how well I work with different tech teams, including those in project management, AI, and design. They wanted to see if my expertise was just in tech or if I had a broader range of experience.
- Product engineering and AI proficiency: In a focused 60-minute session, I first spent 30 minutes outlining design considerations, tool selections, and a holistic approach to product development. My emphasis on the integration of smaller capabilities into the larger product vision reinforced the importance of a solid strategy from concept to execution. The next 30 minutes was about my AI expertise, exploring various AI solutions that I’ve developed and their integration within advanced product development. Our discussion underscored the practical application of AI techniques—how they enhance the functionality and intelligence of modern products. These sessions provide valuable software engineer interview tips for tech talent and a chance to refresh knowledge on specific AI applications.
Tech adaptability
During this stage, I had discussions with my hiring manager about tech adaptability, emphasizing technical compatibility, cultural fit, and the challenges I’ve faced. We had engaging scenario-based discussions too: explored my decision-making process for selecting technologies, which added depth and interest to our conversation.
There were two more interview rounds that highlighted the flexibility required of a builder catalyst. This role is not limited to just one project or team but involves tackling various tech challenges that necessitate collaboration to achieve success.
Looking back on my interview rounds, they showed me the importance of having strong technical acumen and an unwavering commitment to learning. If you’re preparing for a similar role, these software engineer interview tips can help you significantly.
Here at Intuit, we believe in nurturing our teams and ensuring that every individual is part of our collective journey to the top. Whether you’re fresh out of school or a seasoned engineer, every day presents exciting opportunities for growth, learning, and reaching new heights in your technology career.