Eftekhar Nahim Abdullah is a Software Engineer (trainee) at AppifyLab. He completed his BSc in Information and Communication Technology from Comilla University. A passionate problem solver, he has tackled over 3,000 programming problems, earned the rank of Expert on Codeforces, and is a three-time ICPC Asia West Finalist as well as a two-time Chittagong Division Champion.
Beyond competitive programming, Eftekhar has worked as a Research Assistant on machine learning and deep learning projects and actively contributed to his university’s Programming Club by mentoring and organizing training sessions for students.
Eftekhar came across the job circular for AppifyLab on their LinkedIn/Facebook page and decided to apply. The recruitment process was structured in three key phases:
Phase 1: Coding Round 1
The first elimination round featured seven programming problems. The highest number solved by any participant was seven. Eftekhar solved five problems, securing 5th place on the leaderboard. Candidates who solved at least three problems and ranked within the top 20 advanced to the next stage.
Phase 2: Coding Round 2
The second coding round introduced seven new problems and was even more competitive. Eftekhar solved four problems and emerged as the 1st place winner overall. The top six candidates with at least three problems solved qualified for the final round.
Phase 3: Final Discussion Round
The last stage was a conversation with the HR Executive and Chief Growth Officer of AppifyLab. This round emphasized understanding the candidate beyond technical ability. Eftekhar was asked about his background, motivations, career goals, vision, and knowledge about the company and role. This was also the stage where the team provided a clear overview of the position and its responsibilities.
Preparation Insights
Eftekhar’s journey highlights that success in such a recruitment process requires a mix of strong problem-solving ability and a growth-oriented mindset. His advice for future candidates is simple:
- Focus on consistent practice in competitive programming to excel in coding rounds.
- Prepare for the final stage by reflecting on your personal motivations, career goals, and understanding of the company.
With the right balance of technical skill and self-awareness, standing out as a strong candidate at AppifyLab becomes achievable.
Special thanks to Eftekhar Nahim Abdullah for taking out the time to share his recruitment experience with me. If you have any queries, feel free to contact him at eftekharnahim11@gmail.com