Interview Experience Shared By: Mahek Hiten Patel
I am Mahek Hiten Patel, a Computer Science
and Engineering graduate from Sardar Vallabhbhai National Institute of
Technology (SVNIT), Surat. I recently appeared for the NatWest
WOW Software Engineer (B6) interview through the campus placement
process for the Senior Analyst position.
 |
| Mahek Hiten Patel |
NatWest Software Engineer (B6) Interview Process
- Company: NatWest Group
- Role: Software Engineer (B6) – Senior Analyst
- Hiring Process: Campus Placement (WOW)
- Interview Rounds: 1
- Interview Format: Technical + HR
- Difficulty Level: Moderate
1. Technical Interview
The technical discussion focused primarily on my resume,
programming fundamentals, and practical understanding of the technologies I had
worked with or mentioned in my resume.
The interviewer evaluated my understanding of core computer
science concepts, problem-solving skills, and familiarity with development
tools.
A. Object-Oriented Programming (OOP)
Questions focused on fundamental OOP concepts, including:
·
Four pillars of OOP:
o Encapsulation
o Abstraction
o Polymorphism
o Inheritance
·
Classes and Objects
·
Understanding the practical
applications of OOP concepts
B. Data Structures and Algorithms (DSA)
The interviewer covered fundamental data structures and
algorithmic concepts.
Topics included:
·
Arrays and Linked Lists
·
Stack and Queue
·
Trees and Graphs
·
Sorting Algorithms
·
Two-Pointer Technique
·
Recursion
·
Time and Space Complexity
·
Big O Notation
C. Python Programming
The discussion also covered Python programming
fundamentals.
Topics included:
·
Variables and Operators
·
Python Keywords and Data Types
·
Functions
·
*args and **kwargs
·
Lambda Functions
·
Python Libraries
D. Docker and Microservices
Some questions were related to containerization and modern
application development.
Topics included:
·
What is Docker?
·
Understanding Containerization
·
Docker and Microservices
Architecture
·
Basic Docker Commands
E. Other Technical Topics
Apart from the core programming concepts, the interviewer
also discussed a few miscellaneous technical topics:
·
Linux: inotify and its use cases
·
Networking: SSH (Secure Shell)
·
Database: MongoDB fundamentals
·
Networking Tools: Wireshark and its practical applications
2. HR Interview
The HR discussion focused on behavioural skills, teamwork,
communication, and personality.
Here are some of the questions asked:
A. Behavioural Questions
Q1. Tell me about a time when you faced a difficult
situation during a team project. How did you handle it?
The interviewer wanted to understand my problem-solving
approach, ability to work under pressure, and how I contribute to a team.
B. Situational Questions
Q2. Tell me about a time when you had a
disagreement with a team member. How did you resolve it?
This question focused on conflict resolution,
collaboration, communication, and the ability to handle different perspectives
professionally.
C. Personality-Based Questions
Q3. What are your weaknesses?
The interviewer wanted to understand my self-awareness,
willingness to accept feedback, and commitment to continuous improvement.
3. Preparation Strategy
For candidates preparing for the NatWest Software Engineer
(B6) or similar entry-level software engineering roles, I would recommend
focusing on the following areas:
1.
Core Java/Python and
OOP: Understand programming fundamentals and
object-oriented concepts.
2.
DSA: Practise arrays, linked lists, stacks, queues, trees, graphs,
sorting, recursion, and two-pointer problems.
3.
Computer Science
Fundamentals: Revise operating systems,
computer networks, databases, and Linux basics.
4.
Development Tools: Understand Docker, containerization, microservices, and basic
commands.
5.
Resume Preparation: Be confident about every technology, project, and skill mentioned
in your resume.
6.
HR Preparation: Prepare real-life examples demonstrating teamwork, ownership,
conflict resolution, and problem-solving.
4. Final Thoughts
Overall, the NatWest Software Engineer (B6) interview was a
combination of technical fundamentals and behavioural assessment.
The interview covered a broad range of topics, from DSA and
OOP to Python, Docker, Linux, databases, and networking.
My biggest takeaway is that having strong fundamentals
and being able to explain the technologies mentioned in your resume are equally
important.
I hope this interview experience helps students preparing
for NatWest campus placements and other Software Engineer (B6), Senior Analyst,
and entry-level software engineering opportunities.
All the best to everyone preparing for their
interviews!
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