What the Typical Selection Process for IT Jobs Is

Ruchir Gupta -

At Proficed, we believe in a comprehensive selection process to ensure that we hire the best talent. The interview rounds vary based on the position you are applying for, but generally, they assess three core skills:

  • English Language and Comprehension
  • Reasoning and Problem-Solving
  • Technical Proficiency

Our selection process consists of seven rounds, each designed to evaluate different aspects of a candidate's profile. Here’s a breakdown of what to expect:

Round 0: Shortlisting

This round is all about assessing the quality of your application. We review:

  • If the resume/CV is self-created
  • Formatting and structure of the resume/CV
  • Submission format (PDF required)
  • Whether the design is templated or genuinely self-created
  • Whether it appears to be a modified version of someone else's resume/CV
  • Originality of the cover letter and application email (ChatGPT-generated content is not acceptable)
  • Any grammatical or spelling errors

How to Prepare:

  • Create Your Own Resume: Avoid using generic templates from online resume builders. Showcase your skills and experience in a format that’s unique to you.
  • Polish Your Writing: Proofread your resume and cover letter for grammatical and spelling errors. Consider getting feedback from peers or using online tools like Grammarly.
  • Write a Personalized Cover Letter: Don’t rely on AI-generated text, as it will be flagged. Make it specific to the job you're applying for at Proficed.

Pro Tips to clear this round:

Round 1: 15-Minute Online Interview

This brief but crucial round focuses on professionalism, seriousness, and suitability for the role. Conducted by senior team members, we assess:

  • Punctuality in joining the online meeting
  • Whether the candidate has a distraction-free environment suitable for remote work
  • Their ability to resolve basic technical issues (e.g., microphone, webcam, internet)
  • Grooming and professional attire

The interview includes:

  • A brief introduction
  • 5-7 challenging technical questions
  • 2-3 questions related to the candidate's CV/resume

This round is highly competitive, with 99% of candidates being rejected. To move forward, candidates need to be punctual, concise, and answer questions directly—no second chances are given beyond the 15 minutes.

How to Prepare:

  • Test Your Tech Setup: Ensure a strong and reliable internet connection. Test your webcam and microphone before the interview.
  • Create a Professional Environment: Choose a quiet, distraction-free space. Good lighting and a neutral background are essential.
  • Be Punctual: Join the meeting on time—be ready 10 minutes before the scheduled time.
  • Prepare Answers: Practice introducing yourself and answering basic technical questions concisely.
  • Look Professional: Dress appropriately for a virtual interview. Grooming and attire matter.

Pro Tips to clear this round:

Round 2: Aptitude Test

This round tests your reasoning and problem-solving skills through:

  • 25 questions, 1 mark each
  • A 30-minute online test
  • Scoring at least 20/25 is necessary to advance.

The questions are designed to be challenging.

How to Prepare:

  • Brush Up on Aptitude Topics: Review common topics like logical reasoning, quantitative aptitude, and verbal ability. Practice with online mock tests.
  • Time Management: You have 30 minutes to answer 25 questions, so managing time is key.
  • Use Resources: Refer to platforms like IndiaBIX or Testbook for practice questions.

Sample Questions:

Round 3: English Language Comprehension

This new round assesses your ability to understand and narrate stories in English—crucial for effective communication in the workplace.

Process:

  • Option 1: You will first listen to a short story narrated in your mother tongue (Hindi, Gujarati, or Kannada). You will be given 5 minutes to think about the story and then narrate it in English.
  • Option 2: Alternatively, you may be asked to recall and narrate a well-known story (e.g., "The Rabbit and the Turtle") in English.

What We Assess:

  • Fluency: The ability to speak English clearly without long pauses.
  • Comprehension: Accurate translation and essence of the story.
  • Grammar and Vocabulary: Correct sentence structure, appropriate vocabulary, and grammar.
  • Confidence: How well the candidate handles the task under pressure.

How to Prepare:

  • Practice Storytelling: Try narrating stories from your native language to English.
  • Focus on Fluency: Clear sentence structures and confidence are key.
  • Familiar Stories: If you have a favorite story in your native language, practice retelling it in English.

Pro Tips:

  • Practice translating short stories with friends.
  • Read English stories aloud to improve fluency and pronunciation.

Round 4: Technical Questions

This round involves:

  • 15-20 technical questions
  • A time limit of 30 minutes
  • Candidates must answer at least 80% of the questions correctly. If more than four answers are unsatisfactory, the interview is stopped.

How to Prepare:

  • Review Core Concepts: Study fundamentals of your technical field, including data structures, algorithms, databases, and programming languages.
  • Prepare for Tough Questions: Expect challenging questions. Use platforms like LeetCode, HackerRank, or GeeksforGeeks for practice.
  • Understand Your Resume: Be prepared to answer technical questions based on your experience and projects.

Sample Questions:

Round 5: Practical Test

Candidates are given:

  • A project or assignment relevant to the role
  • 1 hour to complete the task
  • Evaluation by a technical expert

The task must meet at least 80% satisfaction in terms of quality and completeness.

How to Prepare:

  • Review Past Projects: Focus on relevant tasks you’ve completed and explain your approach.
  • Practice Assignments: Set a timer and try completing similar tasks in one hour.
  • Be Efficient: Focus on core parts of the assignment within the time limit.

Round 6: Final Interview

This round is conducted by the CEO/Director and consists of:

  • 3 to 5 questions, typically easier in nature.

How to Prepare:

  • Be Confident: This is your chance to engage with the CEO/Director. Clear and confident communication is key.

Once these rounds are complete, successful candidates receive an offer and, upon acceptance, are officially hired.

You will be contacted only if you are shortlisted (i.e., based on your resume, application, and cover letter, you have cleared Round 0). Rounds 2, 3, 4, and 5 are usually conducted on the same day after clearing Round 1, with the Final Interview (Round 6) taking place the following day.

Best of luck!