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.