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Home/Blog/Interview Prep/Top 90+ Dell interview questions

Top 90+ Dell interview questions

4 min read
Jan 02, 2025
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Technical interviews at Dell
Frequently asked Dell interview questions for technical interview
Personal interviews at Dell
Frequently asked Dell interview questions for a personal interview

Joining Dell is not just about getting a job—it's about stepping into a world of innovation, growth, and endless possibilities. As a Dell employee, you’ll work with some of the brightest minds in tech, on projects that shape the future of technology worldwide. 

As exciting as a career at Dell may sound, getting there requires thorough preparation and focus. The key is understanding what to expect and how to showcase your skills effectively. To secure your dream role, we’ll walk you through Dell’s interview process’s technical and cultural aspects, helping you confidently approach each stage.

What to expect in this blog:

  • An overview of the technical interview at Dell, including coding, system design, and technical concepts.

  • Frequently asked technical interview questions, categorized by topic.

  • Personal interview questions with a focus on self-reflection, motivation, and alignment with Dell’s values.

  • Key preparation tips to improve your chances of success in technical and personal interview stages.

Technical interviews at Dell#

  1. Programming and coding questions: Expect topics involving data structures and algorithms, such as manipulating arrays, linked lists, or trees. You may be asked to write code, implement variants of classic algorithms like sorting and searching, or optimize a given solution. Familiarity with platforms like LeetCode, Educative, or HackerRank can be beneficial for practicing such questions.

  2. System design questions: Dell often looks for candidates who can design robust systems, so you may be asked to design an application (e.g., a URL shortener or chat system). Focus on discussing architecture, data flow, scalability, and trade-offs between different design choices.

  3. Technical concepts: Knowledge of fundamental technical concepts is essential. Questions may focus on object-oriented principles (OOP), database normalization, or protocols like HTTP. Additionally, be prepared to discuss differences between technologies, such as SQL vs. NoSQL databases, and explain the scenarios where one might be preferable.

  4. Problem-solving scenarios: You may be presented with real-world problems and asked how you would approach or debug the situation. These could involve code review, identifying inefficiencies, or explaining why certain changes would improve performance. Dell values clear, logical approaches to troubleshooting and optimization.

Now that we’ve covered the technical aspects of the Dell interview process, let’s dive into the most frequently asked questions to help you confidently prepare for the interview.

Answer interview questions with confidence
Answer interview questions with confidence

Frequently asked Dell interview questions for technical interview#

Below is the comprehensive list of Dell coding interview questions categorized based on technical areas. These examples can help guide your preparation:

Category

Questions

Array-Based Questions

  • Move all zeroes to the end of the array: Rearrange an array so that all zeroes appear at the end, maintaining the order of other elements.

  • Rotate array: Rotate the elements of an array to the right by a specified number of steps.

  • Trapping rainwater: Calculate the total amount of water trapped between bars of different heights.

  • Kadane’s algorithm: Find the maximum sum of a contiguous subarray within a given array.

String-Based Questions

  • Longest palindrome in a string: Find the longest contiguous substring in a given string that is a palindrome.

  • Group anagrams together: Group words that are anagrams of each other into separate lists.

  • Wildcard pattern matching: Check if a given string matches a pattern containing wildcards like ? and *.

  • Permutations of a given string: Generate all possible unique arrangements of characters in a string.

Linked List Questions

  • Reverse linked list: Reverse the order of nodes in a given linked list.

  • Delete node in a linked list: Remove a specified node from a linked list, giving access to that node only.

  • Intersection point of two linked lists: Find the starting point where two linked lists intersect.

  • Clone a linked list with the next and random pointers: Create a deep copy of a linked list in which each node has next and random pointers.

Tree and Binary Tree Questions

  • Lowest common ancestor: Find the lowest common ancestor of two nodes in a binary tree.

  • Zigzag tree traversal: Traverse a binary tree in a zigzag (spiral) order, alternating between left-to-right and right-to-left at each level.

  • Bottom view of binary tree: Display the nodes visible when the binary tree is viewed from the bottom.

  • Maximum path sum from any node: Determine the maximum sum of a path between any two nodes in a binary tree.

Stack and Queue Questions

  • Implement a queue using an array: Create a queue data structure, supporting enqueue and dequeue operations efficiently.

  • Sort a stack: Sort the elements of a stack using recursion or another stack, maintaining the stack structure.

  • Parenthesis checker: Verify if a string containing parentheses, braces, and brackets is balanced and properly nested.

  • Get minimum element from stack: Design a stack that supports retrieving the minimum element in constant time along with push and pop operations.

Graph Questions

  • Detect cycle in an undirected graph: Determine if an undirected graph contains a cycle using BFS, DFS, or union find methods.

  • BFS of graph: Perform a breadth-first search on a graph, starting from a given node, and return the traversal order.

  • Bridges in a graph: Identify all edges in a graph whose removal increases the number of connected components.

  • Steps by knight: Find the minimum number of steps a knight takes to reach a target position on a chessboard.

Dynamic Programming Questions

  • 0/1 knapsack: Maximize the total value of items in a knapsack by selecting items with given weights and values constrained by a weight limit.

  • Coin change: Calculate the fewest coins needed to make a given amount using coins of specified denominations.

  • Partition equal subset sum: Determine if an array can be split into two subsets with equal sums.

  • N-queen problem: Place N queens on an N×N chessboard so that no two queens threaten each other.

Sorting and Searching Questions

  • Merge sort: Sort an array by repeatedly dividing it into halves, sorting the halves, and then merging them.

  • Quicksort: Sort an array by selecting a pivot, partitioning the elements, and recursively sorting the partitions.

  • Search in a rotated array: Find a target element in a rotated and sorted array efficiently.

  • Job sequencing: Maximize profits by scheduling jobs with deadlines, so one job is performed per unit of time.

Mathematical/general algorithm questions

  • Stock buy and sell: Given daily prices, find the best time to buy and sell stock to maximize profit.

  • Find the median in a stream: Continuously find the median of a stream of integers.

  • Solve the sudoku: Fill a Sudoku puzzle following the rule that each number 1–9 must appear exactly once in each row, column, and subgrid.

The problems listed here are the challenges you might face in a real coding interview. To master the techniques required to solve such problems and prepare effectively, we recommend the Grokking Coding Interview Patterns course by Educative.

Technical questions are often designed to gauge how well a candidate understands foundational concepts and system-level principles. The following section covers commonly asked interview questions in object-oriented programming, operating systems, and computer networks, focusing on essential concepts and common interview topics:

Category

Questions

Object-Oriented Programming (OOP) Questions

  • What is a class?

  • What are the main features of OOPs?

  • What is polymorphism?

  • What is inheritance?

Constructor and Destructor Concepts

  • What is a constructor?

  • What is a virtual function?

  • What is a destructor?

  • What is an interface?

Advanced OOP Concepts

  • What’s the difference between overloading and overriding?

  • What is structured programming vs. object-oriented programming?

  • What is an interface?

  • What are the advantages of OOP?

Operating Systems (OS) Questions

  • What is spooling?

  • Explain the core functions of an operating system.

  • What is RAID? Different types of RAID.

  • What is cache?

Concurrency and Memory Concepts

  • What is demand paging?

  • What is deadlock?

  • What is concurrency?

  • What is the banker’s algorithm?

Computer Networks Questions

  • What is meant by NOS?

  • What is a proxy server?

  • What is a VPN?

  • What is IP spoofing?

Networking Protocols and Components

  • What is the SMTP protocol?

  • What are firewalls?

  • What’s the difference between Bluetooth and Wi-Fi?

  • What is a bridge in a computer network?

After preparing for the technical aspects of the interview, it’s equally important to focus on the personal interview stage.  This section will guide you through the questions typically asked to assess your interpersonal skills, cultural fit, and alignment with Dell’s values.

Personal interviews at Dell#

  1. Behavioral questions: Common questions include “Tell me about yourself” and “Describe a challenging project.” Structure your responses using the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result), focusing on your problem-solving abilities and professional growth.

  2. Teamwork and collaboration: Dell values candidates who can work effectively within teams. You might be asked for examples of successful teamwork, how you resolved conflicts, or situations where you needed to collaborate across different departments or remote teams.

Importance of teamwork and collaboration
Importance of teamwork and collaboration
  1. Motivation and career goals: Questions about your interest in Dell (e.g., “Why do you want to work here?”) and where you see yourself in the future help assess alignment with the company’s goals.

  2. Cultural fit: Expect questions on how well you align with Dell’s values and culture. Researching Dell’s recent initiatives or philanthropic efforts can show that you’re genuinely interested in being part of the company’s vision.

Now that you understand the personal interview process let’s explore the frequently asked questions that will help you prepare.

Frequently asked Dell interview questions for a personal interview#

Below is a table of common Dell interview questions, categorized into general self-reflection, motivation for the company, career aspirations, and more. Reviewing these questions will help you better understand what interviewers seek in a personal interview and allow you to tailor your responses accordingly.

Category

Problem

General Self-Reflection and Experience

  • Tell us something about yourself.

  • What is your greatest weakness?

  • What did you like least about your last job?

  • Have you ever disagreed with a supervisor? What steps did you take to resolve the issue?

  • Was there a challenging situation that you successfully overcame in your workplace?

  • What was your experience at your previous company?

  • How do you ensure that all your work is completed on time?

  • Are you a big-picture or a detail-oriented person?

  • Do you work well under pressure?

  • How do you maintain a work-life balance?

  • How do you overcome the monotony of a routine?

Motivation and Fit for Dell

  • What can you do for Dell?

  • Why did you quit your last job?

  • Why do you want to join Dell?

  • How long would you want to work with us if you were hired?

  • Do you think you’re overqualified for this position?

Career Aspirations and Future goals

  • Where do you see yourself in ten years?

  • Where do you see yourself in five years?

  • What do you expect to be earning five years down the lane at Dell?

Personal Attributes and Skills

  • Are you good at receiving constructive criticism?

  • Which is more important—features or functionality?

  • What can you offer us that you believe others can’t?

Background and Education

  • Why did you choose to pursue your education at a specific university?

  • How do you adapt to a new work environment?

Company Knowledge

  • Who is Dell’s current CEO?

  • Do you have any questions for us?

  • What are your salary expectations?

For those preparing for the behavioral interview, consider exploring Educative’s Grokking the Behavioral Interview course. This course provides useful insights on effective communication, interview etiquette, and strategies for handling prior experience questions. Get ready to make a lasting impression with authentic, well-crafted responses!

As you approach your Dell interview, remember that preparation is key to standing out. Beyond mastering coding and system design, focus on your fit with the company culture, problem-solving mindset, and ability to communicate effectively. Use the resources and strategies outlined in this blog above to give yourself the best chance to succeed.

With dedication and the right tools, you’re not just preparing for a job interview—you’re setting yourself up for success at one of the most innovative companies in the world. Good luck!

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the questions asked in a Dell interview?

To pass a Dell interview, focus on the following steps:

  1. Understand the role: Study the job description and align your skills and experience with Dell’s requirements.
  2. Technical preparation: Strengthen your knowledge of data structures, algorithms, and problem-solving for technical roles.
  3. Behavioral readiness: Prepare to answer questions using the STAR method to showcase your experiences and achievements.
  4. Company research: Learn about Dell’s values, recent projects, and culture.
  5. Mock interviews: Practice with peers or online platforms to improve confidence and communication skills.

Why do you want to join Dell?

How long is Dell’s hiring process?


Written By:
Ishrat Fatima
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