Top 45 Zoho Interview Questions [with Sample Answers & Tips]

Zoho Corporation is a technology company that builds software solutions for businesses across industries like sales, marketing, project management, finance, and IT management. The company was set up in 1996 to build smart technology to help businesses work better. The company perceives software development as a craft that delivers high-value business products. Working at Zoho Corporation is a great opportunity, as it allows aspiring developers to innovate unique software and reinvent their skills. If you plan to apply for jobs at this company, read our guide on Zoho interview questions to land your dream job.

Zoho Interview Process 

The Zoho Interview Process typically consists of five rounds, which include the following:

1. Written Test: It is mandatory for all freshers. This aptitude test is divided into two parts – a general aptitude test to test problem-solving skills, and a C programming test to check your knowledge.
2. Basic Programming Round: In this round, you will be asked questions on programming languages (C, C++, and Java) related to basic concepts such as arrays, string manipulation, data structures & algorithms, etc.
3. Advanced Programming Round: This is about developing an application or providing a less complex programming idea for creating software. Candidates must write programs at an advanced level.
4. Technical HR Interview: Zoho’s interview process includes a technical HR round to test the basics of programming and related concepts.
5. General HR Interview: This is an interactive interview with HR to discuss the job role, salary, and job requirements. The applicant can ask any questions related to the position.

Zoho HR Interview Questions

Zoho HR interview questions assess whether the candidate fits the company culture and the specific role. Here are 15 common questions with answers.

Q1. Tell me about yourself. 

[Tip to Answer: Give a general background of your education and discuss skills relevant to the position when asked to tell about yourself in an interview.]

Sample Answer: I am a recent graduate with a degree in B.Tech. Computer Science and have internship experience in software development. I am particularly passionate about the IT and software development industries and how they provide an opportunity to learn about and work with cutting-edge technologies. I am skilled in Python and Java programming languages. I am drawn to Zoho because of the company’s focus on innovative technologies and employee development opportunities.

Q2. Why do you want to work with Zoho? 

[Tip to Answer: To answer the question, ‘Why do you want to work here?’, you should showcase your interest and what you like about the company.]

Sample Answer: Zoho’s commitment to building cutting-edge software and fostering a collaborative work environment interests me. The company offers an opportunity to develop software and web-based products with innovative and modern technology across major sectors like sales, analytics, HR, marketing, etc. I am particularly impressed by Zoho’s CRM software products and believe my software development and design skills can contribute to your continued success.

Q3. What are your strengths and weaknesses?

[Tip to Answer: The interview question, ‘What are your strengths and weaknesses?’, demands you discuss your abilities, areas of improvement, and growth potential.]

Sample Answer: I have excellent coding skills in Python and a strong understanding of object-oriented programming (OOP) concepts and web development frameworks. I recently developed a new feature for our internal application using the Django framework and Python libraries like Pandas and NumPy. This feature has significantly improved the user experience.

While I can write code, I am working on improving my technical documentation skills to ensure better code maintainability. I actively participate in code reviews, focusing on providing clear and concise comments. I am also a fast learner and like to work in an environment that requires continuous learning. Therefore, I look forward to working with Zoho. 

Q4. How do you manage stress? 

[Tip to Answer: Demonstrate your resilience and problem-solving skills.]

Sample Answer: I manage stress by prioritizing tasks, taking breaks, and maintaining a positive attitude. I focus on clear communication and delegation to ensure deadlines are met, especially when the workload is high.

Q5. Are you willing to relocate? 

[Tip to Answer: To effectively navigate this interview question, show your willingness to adapt and ask or communicate any concern regarding relocation.]

Sample Answer: Yes, I am open to relocating if I get an opportunity to work at Zoho. The job role aligns perfectly with my skills and career goals. I would appreciate the chance to discuss the details of your relocation policy and the assistance the company will offer.

Q6. What are your salary expectations? 

[Tip to Answer: The ideal way to approach the interview question on salary expectations requires you to research the current wage trends to mention a clear salary range.]

Sample Answer: I have researched the average salary for this position offered for my experience level. I anticipate a salary offer of approximately [mention a definite figure]. However, I am open to discussing a competitive compensation package that aligns with my skills and contributions.

Q7. Tell me about a time you faced a challenge at your previous workplace. How did you overcome it?

[Tip to Answer: You should describe the challenge you faced and the initiative you took to achieve a positive outcome.]

Sample Answer: In my previous role as a Quality Analyst Engineer, I faced a challenge that involved identifying and analyzing the security vulnerability issue in the software. To overcome this, I took a multi-pronged approach.

First, I debugged the code to understand the issue in detail. This helped me pinpoint the specific cause of the problem. I implemented a code fix with the support of the development team members to resolve the issue. Through these actions, I could mitigate security risks and streamline software operations. With this experience, I could gain more confidence in my ability to troubleshoot complex technical problems, think critically and creatively, and deliver solutions.

Q8. Describe a time you worked effectively in a team. 

[Tip to Answer: You should discuss the importance of teamwork and your communication skills to manage team efforts effectively.]

Sample Answer: While working at the previous company, I had the opportunity to collaborate effectively in a team on streamlining the quality check issues of CRM software. The team consisted of developers and marketing specialists with diverse skill sets.

To overcome this challenge, I took the initiative to organize regular team meetings to ensure everyone was aligned and on the same page. We collectively identified each team member’s strengths and assigned tasks accordingly, fostering a collaborative environment.

Q9. Why should we hire you as a fresher?

[Tip to Answer: If you are asked why you should be hired, it is important to discuss the skills aligned with the job role. Also, express your enthusiasm to learn and contribute to the company’s success.]

Sample Answer: As a recent graduate, I am well-versed in tools and technologies relevant to the software industry. My academic background, projects, and extracurricular activities have equipped me with a solid foundation in programming languages, software testing methods, and database management skills. I am eager to learn from senior professionals at Zoho. Furthermore, I aim to develop new skills that I can use to contribute to the company’s products and services. 

Q10. What are your career goals? 

[Tip to Answer: Discuss your career ambition and why you can fit in long-term with the company.]

Sample Answer: My long-term goal is to become a Software Developer – Team Lead. I aspire to build innovative software products using the latest and most cutting-edge technologies. I believe Zoho’s focus on innovation and continuous learning aligns well with my aspirations to constantly improve my skills and stay updated with the new technology in the IT industry.  Zoho would provide me with the opportunity to collaborate with talented individuals, which would help me grow and advance in my career.

Q11. Tell me about a time you had to learn a new skill. 

[Tip to Answer: Demonstrate your adaptability and willingness to learn new things and upgrade your skill set.]

Sample Answer: In my previous role, I needed to learn machine learning skills. I achieved this by taking an online machine learning course and practicing hands-on projects. I was able to implement the new skills to make use of machine learning algorithms to analyze customer behaviour. I could contribute to improving the marketing strategies of the company.

Q12. How would you describe your work ethic? 

[Tip to Answer: It is crucial that you showcase your genuine dedication and commitment towards your work.]

Sample Answer:  I focus on adhering to the company’s values and goals and always strive to produce high-quality work with full dedication. I am also a team player and believe in the importance of collaboration and communication to achieve goals. I am confident that I will be able to contribute positively to Zoho’s work culture and help drive its growth by becoming an asset for the company.

Q13. What are your salary expectations? 

[Tip to Answer: Acquire knowledge of market value according to your experience level and expertise.]

Sample Answer: If hired for the data analyst position at Zoho, I would anticipate receiving an annual salary package of ₹11 LPA to ₹12 LPA. I possess all the necessary skills and qualifications that are required to fulfill the roles and responsibilities of this job. The expected salary package will help me relocate smoothly to Zoho’s Chennai office.

Q14. How do you deal with criticism?

[Tip to Answer: Talk about the way in which you respond to feedback. Answer the question professionally.]

Sample Answer: I think it is important to approach criticism with an open mind and a willingness to listen and learn from others. Rather than becoming defensive, I will try to understand the perspective of the person giving the criticism and use it as an opportunity for growth and improvement.

Q15. Do you have any questions for us?

[Tip to Answer: Gain basic company knowledge and research more information.]

Sample Answer: Yes, I have a few questions. First, I would like to know more about what it is like to work at Zoho.
I am also interested in learning about opportunities for growth and development within the company. If you could provide some examples of how the company supports and invests in its employees, I would greatly appreciate it.

Zoho Technical Interview Questions for Freshers

The Zoho technical job interview round for freshers focuses on assessing foundational programming and problem-solving skills. Here is a list of 15 common Zoho technical interview questions with answers for freshers.

Q16. What programming languages are you familiar with?

Sample Answer: I am proficient in Java and C++. I have a working knowledge of Python. I am comfortable with concepts like variables, data types, control flow statements, functions, and object-oriented programming basics in Java and C++. I have had exposure to specifying class functions with inheritance, encapsulation, data abstraction, and polymorphism while working on final-year college assignments.

Q17. What are the different types of control flow statements?

Sample Answer: The following are some types of common control flow statements: ‘if-else’ statements, switch statements, ‘for’ loops, and ‘while’ loops. These statements control the flow of execution in a program. For instance, the if-else statement is used for conditional execution. The ‘for’ loop statement is used for repeated execution of the code block a specified number of times, whereas the ‘while’ loop statement executes a block of code until the condition is true. 

Q18. Explain the difference between a variable and a data type.

Sample Answer: The basic distinction between a variable and a data type is that:

Variable	Data Type
A variable is a named storage location in a program that holds a value. In other words, a variable is a container for data.	The data type defines the type of data that can be stored in a variable. It determines what kind of data can be stored in that container.
For example, a variable named ‘age’ can store an integer data type, which represents whole numbers.	Examples of data types are integers, strings, or booleans.

Q19. Explain the concept of an array. Give an example. 

Sample Answer: An array is a collection of items of the same data type stored at contiguous memory locations. The individual elements of an array are accessible using an index. It acts as a unique identifier for each component. 

Q20. What is meant by object-oriented programming? Explain briefly the concepts associated with OOPs.

Sample Answer: Object-oriented programming (OOP) is a programming paradigm that focuses on creating objects, which are instances of classes, to represent real-world entities. The main concepts associated with OOP are encapsulation, inheritance, and polymorphism. 

• Encapsulation: It allows data and methods to be bundled within an object, providing data security and code organization. 
• Inheritance: It enables the creation of new classes by inheriting properties and behaviours from existing classes. 
• Polymorphism: It allows objects of different classes to be treated as objects of a common superclass, simplifying code reuse and flexibility in implementation.

Q21. What are the types of networking in computer networks?

Sample Answer: Computer networks can be categorized based on their geographical scope and functionality. Here are the most common types of networks.

• Local Area Network (LAN): This is a small network that connects computers and devices within a limited range, typically a single building or office. 
• Metropolitan Area Network (MAN): It connects multiple LANs within a metropolitan area.
• Wide Area Network (WAN): They connect geographically dispersed LANs and MANs, allowing for communication and resource sharing across vast distances. 
• Personal Area Network (PAN): PANs are very small networks that connect personal devices within a short range, typically a few meters. Examples include Bluetooth connections.
• Virtual Private Network (VPN): VPNs create a secure tunnel over a public network like the Internet. They encrypt data traffic and provide a secure connection between a user’s device and a private network.

Q22. What do you understand by SQL databases? Give examples of its applications.

Sample Answer: A database in SQL is also called a relational database. It is typically used to store and manipulate data in a structured way such that the data is easy to access, update, and retrieve. In a relational database, the information is stored in tables with rows and columns. Each row consists of a single record (for instance, the product type). SQL is a database management language used to create databases and tables, SQL queries are used to insert, update, and retrieve data, and perform calculations, among other functions. 

SQL databases are widely used in various applications, including:

• E-commerce Websites: Storing customer information, product details, and order history.
• Financial Institutions: Managing customer accounts, transactions, and financial data.
• Human Resources Departments: Storing employee information, payroll data, and benefits information.
• Content Management Systems: Storing website content, user data, and access controls.

Q23. Explain the concept of normalization in a DBMS using an example.

Sample Answer: Normalization in a DBMS organizes a database to minimize redundancy and improve data integrity. There are different normal forms (1NF, 2NF, 3NF, etc.) with increasing levels of normalization. It helps reduce data redundancy, minimize data inconsistency, and simplify data manipulation (insert, update, and delete).

Imagine a table storing furniture rental information (customer name, contact number, & address) along with order details (order number & product name). Normalization would involve splitting these details into distinct tables (customer details & order details) linked by a customer ID, preventing redundant data entry, and simplifying updates.

Q24. What do you understand by data structure?

Sample Answer: A data structure is a way of organizing and storing data on a computer so that it can be accessed and used efficiently. It provides a way to represent and manipulate data, allowing for operations such as insertion, deletion, and searching. Examples of data structures include arrays, linked lists, stacks, queues, trees, and graphs.

Q25. Explain the basics of HTML and CSS.

Sample Answer: HTML and CSS are important tools for web development and design. HTML (HyperText Markup Language) is the standard markup language used for creating the structure and content of web pages. It uses tags to define elements like headings, paragraphs, images, links, etc. 

On the other hand, CSS (Cascading Style Sheets) is a style sheet language used to describe the visual presentation of HTML elements, such as the layout, colours, fonts, and other design aspects. By using CSS, web developers can separate the content and presentation, making it easier to maintain and update the appearance of a website.

Q26. Explain the difference between GET and POST requests in HTTP.

Sample Answer: The difference between GET and POST requests in HTTP is as follows:

Feature	GET Request	POST Request
Use	It retrieves data from a server.	It sends data to a server to create or update a resource.
Security	It is less secure as data is visible in the URL bar.	It is more secure as data is hidden from the URL bar.
Bookmarking	It can be bookmarked in a browser.	It cannot be bookmarked in a browser.

Q27. Explain the bubble sort algorithm. 

Sample Answer: The bubble sort algorithm is a sorting technique that compares adjacent elements in a list and swaps them if they are in the incorrect order. This process is repeated multiple times until the list is completely sorted. 

The algorithm is called bubble sort because with each sorting repetition, the larger elements ‘bubble’ to the top of the list, similar to bubbles rising to the surface. It is the best sorting algorithm for a small list of data sets.

Q28. How can you reverse a string in C?

Sample Answer: We can use the built-in function ‘strrev()’ to reverse a string in C. For example, if we have to reverse the string ‘hello’, the reversed string should be ‘olleh’. 

The code to reverse a string using ‘strrev()’ in C is as follows:

char str[] = “hello”;
printf(“Original string: %s\n”,str); 
strrev(str);
printf(“Reversed string: %s\n”,str);

Output:

Original string: hello
Reversed string: olleh

Q29. What are static and dynamic memory allocations?

Sample Answer: The difference between static and dynamic memory allocation is as follows:

Static Memory Allocation	Dynamic Memory Allocation
It is the fixed memory address for variables during the program compilation.	It is the allocation of memory during program compilation.
It is suitable for programs with known and fixed memory requirements.	It is more flexible and allows for efficient use of memory by allocating and deallocating memory as needed.
It is used for global variables.	It is used for creating and managing data structures such as linked lists and trees.

Q30. What are super keywords?

Sample Answer: Super keywords refer to the special keywords used to access and call methods or variables from a parent class in object-oriented programming. They are commonly used in inheritance, where a subclass inherits properties and methods from its parent class. 

Zoho Interview Questions for Experienced

Zoho offers job openings for experienced developers as well. Here are some Zoho interview questions to prepare for a senior-level job.

Q31. Explain the Global Interpreter Lock (GIL) in CPython.

Sample Answer: The Global Interpreter Lock (GIL) in CPython is a mechanism that ensures only one thread executes Python bytecode at a time, even on multi-core systems. This means that, despite having multiple threads, CPython can run only one thread at a time effectively. It limits the potential for parallelism and impacts the performance of CPU-bound tasks.

Q32. What are deadlocks in an operating system?

Sample Answer: Deadlocks in an operating system occur when two or more processes are unable to proceed because each is waiting for the other to release a resource. This can result in a system deadlock, where none of the processes can continue, and the system becomes unresponsive.

Q33. How can you ensure data security in web applications?

Sample Answer: Data security in web applications can be achieved through various measures, such as the following:

• Implementing encryption algorithms.
• Using secure communication protocols like HTTPS.
• Regularly updating and patching software vulnerabilities.
• Implementing strong access controls and authentication mechanisms.
• Conducting security audits and testing. 

Q34. Explain software bugs.

Sample Answer: Software bugs are errors or flaws in computer programs that cause them to produce runtime errors or incorrect results. These bugs can range from minor inconveniences to major issues that can compromise the software’s functionality, security, or stability. Identifying and fixing bugs or errors is essential to ensure that the software is functioning as intended.

Q35. What are Python decorators?

Sample Answer: Python decorators are functions that wrap other functions and add functionality to them without modifying the original function. They provide a way to customize the existing functions by adding additional code before and after their execution. Decorators are widely used in Python for tasks such as logging, authentication, and caching.

Q36. What are sockets in an operating system?

Sample Answer: Sockets in an operating system are the endpoints for communication between two processes or machines. They allow data transmission between two network devices, such as a computer and a server. Sockets are essential for establishing connections and facilitating communication in a network environment. They are used in protocols such as TCP/IP to ensure reliable data transfer.

Q37. What is a code review? What are the best practices for code review?

Sample Answer: A code review is the process of reviewing and evaluating the code written for a software project. It is usually done by another developer on the team. It helps catch errors, improve code quality, and ensure the code meets the project requirements. 

Some best practices for code review include: 

• Setting clear expectations for writing code
• Reviewing small chunks of code at a time
• Providing constructive feedback
• Use of tools or checklists for consistency and efficiency

Q38. What is a message queue?

Sample Answer: A message queue is a form of asynchronous communication between different software systems where messages are sent and stored until the receiving system is ready to process them. It allows for efficient and reliable data transfer between systems, even when they are not running at the same time. Message queues are commonly used in distributed systems and can help improve scalability and fault tolerance.

Q39. What is the difference between stack overflow and heap overflow?

Sample Answer: Stack overflow and heap overflow are two types of memory management errors that can occur in computer systems. Both of these errors can cause a system to crash or behave unexpectedly. Here is the basic difference between both:

Stack Overflow	Heap Overflow
A stack overflow occurs when a program tries to use more memory than is available on the call stack.	A heap overflow occurs when a program tries to store more data than can fit in the heap memory.
It is caused by a program’s runtime error.	It is usually caused by a programming error.

Q40. What is a database index?

Sample Answer: A database index is a data structure that improves the speed of data retrieval operations on a database table. It is created on one or more columns of a table and stores a sorted copy of the data. The database index allows for quicker access to specific data entries. It greatly improves the efficiency and performance of database queries.

Q41. What is a thread pool?

Sample Answer: A thread pool is made up of pre-initialized threads. These threads are created once and reused for executing multiple tasks. It is a software design pattern commonly used in programming to improve the performance of applications that require multiple concurrent tasks to be executed. The overhead of creating and destroying threads for each task is eliminated using a thread pool. It results in efficient and faster execution of tasks. 

Q42. Write a C++ program to calculate the sum of primes present as digits of a given number N.

Sample Answer: Here’s a C++ program to calculate the sum of prime digits present in a given number N:

def is_prime(n):
    if n <= 1:
        return False
    if n <= 3:
        return True
    if n % 2 == 0 or n % 3 == 0:
        return False
    i = 5
    while i * i <= n:
        if n % i == 0 or n % (i + 2) == 0:
            return False
        i += 6
    return True

def sum_of_prime_digits(N):
    total_sum = 0
    for digit in str(N):
        if digit.isdigit() and is_prime(int(digit)):
            total_sum += int(digit)
    return total_sum

# Test case
N = 123456789
print("Sum of prime digits in", N, ":", sum_of_prime_digits(N))

This program defines two functions:

• is_prime(n): This function checks if a given number n is prime or not.
• sum_of_prime_digits(N): This function takes a number N as input, iterates through its digits, and sums up the prime digits.

Output:

N = 123456789
print("Sum of prime digits in", N, ":", sum_of_prime_digits(N))

Q43. Explain the difference between the ‘throws’ and ‘throw’ keywords in Java.

Sample Answer: Both throws and throw keywords are used for exception handling in Java, but they serve distinct purposes:

Feature	‘Throw’ Keyword	‘Throws’ Keyword
Location	The throw keyword is used inside the body of a method.	The throws keyword is used within a method declaration.
Use	It explicitly throws an exception object.	It declares the exceptions that a method might potentially throw during its execution.
Exception Handling	When a throw statement is encountered, an exception object is created and propagated up the call stack, ultimately triggering the appropriate catch block in the calling code.	By using throws, you inform the caller (the code that calls the method) about the types of exceptions the method might throw. This allows the caller to handle these exceptions appropriately using try-catch blocks.

Q44. Write a program to get the output:

E.g. 1: input: a1b10
Output abbbbbbbbb

Eg. 2 input b3c6d15
output bbbccccccddddddddddddddd

The number varies from 1 to 99.

Here is the Python code to give the desired output:

def expand_string(s):
    result = ""
    i = 0
    while i < len(s):
        if s[i].isdigit():
            count = int(s[i])
            i += 1
            while i < len(s) and s[i].isdigit():
                count = count * 10 + int(s[i])
                i += 1
            result += s[i] * count
        else:
            result += s[i]
        i += 1
    return result

# Test cases
print(expand_string("a1b10"))  # Output: abbbbbbbbb
print(expand_string("b3c6d15"))  # Output: bbbccccccddddddddddddddd

Output:

Input: "a1b10"
Output: "abbbbbbbbb"

Input: "b3c6d15"
Output: "bbbccccccddddddddddddddd"

Q45. What is a load balancer? Explain how it works. 

Sample Answer: A load balancer is a device or software application that efficiently distributes incoming network traffic across multiple servers or resources. It works by constantly monitoring that traffic load and distributing it evenly across all available servers. It also ensures that no single server is overwhelmed with requests. It can also redirect traffic away from any server that is not functioning properly, thereby improving overall system performance. 

Tips to Prepare for the Zoho Company Interview

Adequate preparation is essential for giving your best performance in the interview. Here are some useful tips for preparing for the Zoho Corporation interview questions.

1. Be Specific When You Answer: Ensure that you mention all the necessary information and points while answering any interview question. It is okay to take a moment to pause and briefly structure your response before answering the question. This will help you deliver a clear and concise answer.
2. Focus on Writing Clean Code: Writing clean code is crucial during a job interview because it demonstrates your understanding of good programming practices and your ability to produce high-quality, maintainable code.  
3. Use the STAR Method to Answer Behavioral Interview Questions: The STAR method involves providing a specific situation, task, action, and result when answering questions about your past experiences. This technique helps create a structured response. It will enable you to highlight your accomplishments and demonstrate your ability to work under pressure.

Conclusion

In this blog, we have discussed how to prepare for Zoho interview questions and answers. If you are interested in joining Zoho, then you should practice the interview question. Once you are selected for the role, you will have the opportunity to develop and contribute to innovative technology solutions. It will allow you to improve your technical skills and advance your career prospects. If you found this blog helpful, you can check out our blog on Zoho software developer interview questions as well.

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