What are the 3 interview rounds?

The three common interview rounds found in many companies, including IBM and other tech firms, are usually:

1. Initial Screening (Phone or Video Interview)

• This is the first interaction with a recruiter or HR representative. It usually lasts around 30 minutes and covers basic information about your background, skills, and interest in the company. The goal is to determine if you're a good fit for the role and the company culture.
• Topics Covered:
  • Overview of your resume.
  • Why you want to work for the company.
  • Your salary expectations and availability.

2. Technical/Skill-Based Interview

• This round dives deeper into your technical abilities. For technical roles, you will face coding challenges, data structures, and algorithms questions, or problem-solving scenarios. Non-technical roles may involve practical skill assessments relevant to the job.
• Examples:
  • Solving coding problems (for technical roles).
  • Handling case studies (for consulting or business roles).
  • Portfolio review (for design roles).
• This round can happen over a video call or on an online coding platform like HackerRank.

3. Behavioral or Final Interview

• The final interview assesses your fit with the company culture and team. Often, this is a panel interview where you meet potential team members or managers. It focuses on your behavioral traits—how you handle challenges, work in teams, and manage time.
• Interviewers use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to ask about your past work experiences.
• Common Questions:
  • "Tell me about a time when you faced a conflict at work and how you resolved it."
  • "Describe a situation where you demonstrated leadership."

These three rounds give companies a well-rounded view of your skills, behavior, and potential to fit within the organization.