I applied online. The process took 3 weeks. I interviewed at Real in Jul 2024
Interview
Got email from a recruiter asking to do code assignment from CodeScreen. Set up a time do work on that assignment. I was given 7 days from the first day I accessed that CodeScreen page, which created a GitHub repository with given java source codes and maven build. This assignment is about comparing the movie data from one CSV file and the actors and directors associated with a movie (by movie id) from another CSV file. There is a JUnit test class that I am not allowed to modify. This Junit test class currently is failing. The goal of this assignment is to make the tests pass. In that test, it is reading data from "external sources" such as XBOX, GOOGLE_PLAY, VUDU, AMAZON_INSTANT. Each source is represented by a CSV file. There is a CSV file for the XBox. The test will read the data from the internal source of movie data and its associated actors and directors data and compare with the external source XBox. If there is any match, put it in a list.
The details given in the task are pretty vague. They don't say how internal and external data are considered as a match. They don't say anything about what the structure of each external source would be. The only external source example in this assignment is the XBox.
This assignment will take at least one full day to analyze the requirements, create the design and implementation if you're really smart. Otherwise, it would take two full days to complete. They require your codes to be easy to expand, easy to read, etc.
If you're willing to spend that much time (just like I did) to go through the assignment, there will be 50 percent of change that you will NOT move on to next round depending on how the senior software engineer, who reviews your codes feel about the way you design and implement the codes.
To me, this is very unprofessional interview process. You should not spend that much time on the assignment and at the end, you might get a notice that your codes are not good enough and they move on with other candidates. If you really need a job, then you might consider going through this. Otherwise, if you still have a job and want to get a better job (like me), consider different company.
I had a deeply disappointing experience with the code review process during my project at Real. Despite putting in extensive effort and ensuring my code adhered to best practices, the review I received was unfair and unprofessional.
Cons:
Unfair Code Review Process:
The code review process was incredibly biased. I received feedback that my code lacked readability, structure, extensibility, accuracy, and efficiency.
However, after I received the feedback from Real, I consulted with two senior software engineers with 15 and 10 years of experience, respectively, they affirmed that my code was well-constructed and met industry standards and all "Real Assignment" requirements.
Lack of Reviewer Expertise:
It was evident that the reviewer did not fully understand my design and implementation choices. The feedback I received contradicted the input from seasoned professionals who reviewed my code post-feedback.
No Recognition for Effort:
Despite spending a significant amount of time on the project and ensuring my code was robust, efficient, and well-tested, there was no acknowledgment of my hard work and dedication.
Advice to Management:
Implement a more transparent and fair code review process that includes multiple reviewers to avoid bias.
Ensure that reviewers are adequately experienced and have a thorough understanding of the code they are evaluating.
Overall, this experience was extremely disappointing, and I hope the company takes steps to improve its review process to ensure fairness and professionalism.
Do not waste your time for this company!
I applied online. The process took 2 months. I interviewed at Real (Mumbai) in Apr 2024
Interview
Typical he screening call, call with engg leadership, assignment, call with VP of products that will be scheduled and cancelled later with not explanation and ghosting. Found this last bit of atleast not being transparent to be unprofessional to a candidate who spent hours working on take home assignment.
Interview questions [1]
Question 1
Your work experience, how do you deal with x scenario, build PRD for feature packed Y....so on