HCLTech Java Developer — core Java, then architecture, then the manager

## Background
Four distinct stages, moving along steadily from the initial screening through to the final managerial round. I had 3+ years of experience at the time.

## Round-by-round

### 1. Screening call
A short initial check — the recruiter went over my profile at a high level, asked about my **notice period**, and threw in a few basic technical questions to confirm I was a reasonable fit before moving forward.

### 2. Technical round 1 — Core Java
**HashMaps**, the distinction between **interfaces and abstract classes**, and **Java 8 Streams**. There was also a coding challenge worked into this round, to see how I applied these concepts in practice rather than just how well I could explain them.

### 3. Technical round 2 — Architecture & systems
A step up in scope: **system architecture**, **Spring Security**, **microservices**, database management, and a discussion around troubleshooting issues in a **production environment** — the kind of practical "what would you actually do" scenarios rather than textbook questions.

### 4. Techno-managerial round
Team dynamics, how I approach problem-solving in a team setting, a few behavioural situations, and how I'd handle managing project requirements day to day.

## Verdict
**Selected** — Java Developer, package exceeding **17 LPA**.