12/15/21, 6:01 PM Gmail - Google Interview Prep

Alexander Baumann <[email protected]>

Google Interview Prep

1 message

Kaitie Juberg <[email protected]> Tue, Dec 14, 2021 at 12:58 PM

To: Alexander Baumann <[email protected]>

Hi Alex,

Thank you for taking the time to connect with me! As discussed, below and attached you will find next steps and a
comprehensive list of preparation materials that will help prepare you for the interviews. I recognize there is a lot of
material here. My best advice to you is to practice, practice, practice everyday if you are able to. Please feel free to let
me know if you have any questions throughout your preparation. I'll be here for you every step of the way!

INTERVIEW AVAILABILITY 
Updated Resume (If you have not already provided one) 
Name(s) of current Googlers who can provide a reference (optional)
Interview Availability:  If you are looking to move forward we will need you to send your availability over to
me in reply to this email. As a reminder there will be 5 virtual interviews over video conference. We can keep
all 5 in the same day or we can split into two days. Please let me know what you prefer. Each interview will be
45 minutes. We can schedule the interviews Monday-Friday between 10AM to 4PM PST. Please provide 5-7
dates/times starting at the earliest 1 week from today over the next few weeks that will work for your
schedule. For reference the scheduling tool we use only allows us to schedule up to 5 weeks out from today.
If you expect to interview greater than 5 weeks from today please let me know and when the time comes we
can send in a request. Once you've replied with these items, I can submit your interview availability. After that,
you will receive an email from one of my colleagues setting up the interviews. 

NOTE: Our scheduling team is working through a large number of interview requests. It can take up to 6 business days
for interviews to be scheduled. I am tracking progress on my end closely.
 
RESUME TIPS
Review the Job Description for inspiration on what

to highlight on your resume.

Check out our hiring process (especially the resume

section) to know what to expect at each step of the

way.

Watch this 2-minute video on Google resume tips

and advice.

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PREPARATION MATERIALS 
Start by familiarizing yourself with what to expect in the Google interview process. Additionally, below and attached are
some resources that will help guide your preparation.  Many of these resources come highly recommended from
recently hired Google Engineers.

Overview of the Virtual Onsite Interviews: 

There will be 5 virtual interviews that will take place over video conference. You will be using a shared Google Doc
to code and Google Drawing for the Design round.
 
3 Coding, Data Structures and Algorithms Interviews (45 minutes each)
1 Systems Design Interview - Video (1 hour)
1 Non-Technical Interview focused on Googleyness and Leadership - Video (45 minutes)
 
The interviewer will be evaluating your:

Coding skills in Python

Data Structures and Algorithms
Systems Design Skills usually focused on Distributed Systems Architecture
Problem Solving and Communication skills
Can you develop code at a pace that is appropriate for the complexity of the problem? 
Googleyness and Leadership: Do you put the user first, Can you thrive in ambiguity, are you a team player,
can you effectively challenge the status quo, etc.  

Technical Interview Resources

Videos: How We Hire, How to Prepare, Example Coding Interview, Recorded Coaching Session
Practice: LeetCode, Project Euler, Top Coder, Pramp, Interviewing.io, CareerCup, HackerRank,  Stack
Overflow, Algo Expert(Created by a former Google Software Engineer), Coding in a Google Doc Tips, Data
Structures and Algorithms, Algorithm Topics, Big-O Complexity, Geeks for Geeks, Interview Puzzles, Practice
Problems, Tech Dev Guide
Books: Cracking the Coding Interview by Gayle Laakmann, Clean Code by Robert C. Martin
Working at Google YouTube Channel
Explore our products

Systems Design Tips 

Review design patterns, class structures, caching and scalability.
Think about how you would architect a system from frontend to backend. 

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Assess a candidate's ability to combine knowledge, theory, experience and judgement toward solving a real-
world engineering problem. 
Sample topics include: features sets, interfaces, class hierarchies, distributed systems, designing a system
under certain constraints, simplicity, limitations, robustness and tradeoffs. 
You should also have an understanding of how the internet actually works and be familiar with the various
pieces (routers, domain name servers, load balancers, firewalls, etc.).

Best Practices and Tips 

Get excited! You’re going to spend the day solving interesting problems in collaboration with a group of
awesome interviewers. Remember, all the interviews will be conducted virtually, so I've attached a quick guide
for best practices for your reference.
Don’t stress about the details. Google is a casual place. Wear something that makes you feel comfortable and
confident, and bring your questions! Our interviewers will be happy to share their insights. 
You will need to be mindful of time, so prepare to work efficiently. While you are preparing for the interviews
we recommend timing yourself and pacing at 2-3 questions completed in a 45 minute block.
Google takes an academic approach to the interviewing process. This means that we are interested in your
thought process and your approach to problem solving, as well as your coding abilities.
Computer Science fundamentals are a prerequisite for all engineering roles at Google, regardless of seniority.
I’d recommend brushing up on areas you may not have seen in your day-to-day recently.
You may be asked questions that relate to technical knowledge, algorithms, coding, performance, how to test
solutions, and perhaps your interest in Google products. Interview topics may cover anything on your resume
(especially if you have stated you are an expert!).
Put up real code (don't rely on pseudo code) - your code should work in a compiler.
It's important to simulate the interview as you practice. Try completing 1-2 case questions on a text editor (no
IDE) in 45 minute practice sessions. Try moderate/difficult questions.
Use topcoder and leetcode to simulate practice interview questions. I suggest trying to complete one "easy"
and one "hard" question in 45 mins, this should give you a good indication of your readiness for the interview.
You'll typically have a warm up question, then a harder question to follow up.  Leetcode > Discuss feature -
Try to engage with the discussion piece of the site if stuck on a problem. Discussion boards tend to post
solutions in different languages as well. 
Do not be offended if the interviewers jump right into questions. We train our interviewers to skip the "Tell Me
About Yourself" questions as well as formal introductions, so we can give you as much time as possible to
work through the problems.
During each interview, ask the interviewer to further explain if you are not clear on any of the questions. If you
make an assumption as you reason through the problem, be sure to communicate those assumptions to your
interviewers. Make sure you are talking through the problem out loud. It is OKAY to question your interviewers
so be sure to always ask clarifying questions(Examples).
Describe how you want to tackle solving each part of the question. If you talk through your process and are
stuck, interviewers may provide helpful hints. They are there to help you, so use the hints and be receptive to
any feedback from the interviewer. Your interviewer wants you to succeed!

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When asked to provide a solution, first define and frame the problem as you see it. If you can't come up with
the most refined solutions right away, you can work on the brute force solution and improve on it, but be sure
to let the interviewer know that's what you're doing. We recommend avoiding brute force where possible. 
Check to make sure your code works. Run through at least one or two examples to check for correctness.
Interviewers are looking out for the following: 
Does the candidate listen carefully and comprehend the question?
Are the correct questions asked before proceeding?
Is brute force used to solve a problem? 
Are things assumed without first checking? 
Are hints heard and heeded?
Is the candidate quick to comprehend and solve problems?
Does the candidate enjoy finding multiple solutions before choosing the best one?
Are new ideas and methods of tackling a problem sought?
Is the candidate inventive, flexible, and open to new ideas in their solution?
Can questioning move up to more complex problem solving?
Lastly, please check out this article. It is the ideal framework to follow when you answer interview questions.
HIGHLY recommend this -  The 6 Steps for Solving Google Coding Interviews

What equipment will I need?

You'll need a computer with internet access for the interviews to use Google Docs -- a web-based word
processor which lets you share and collaborate your work online. Note: You will not have access to an
editor or compiler. 
Once you click the link provided by our coordinators, you'll be able to use the Google Doc along with the
interviewer. Please note that you do not need a Gmail account to use these documents - just click on the link
provided and you will be able to edit the document.
The interviews will take place over video. We recommend using a headset or hands-free device during the
interview to allow for easier conversation while coding.

 
CHAMPION CALLS 
In addition to these preparation resources, here is a flyer for a program you might be interested in. It’s a great way to
connect with Googlers, especially if you're curious about the experience of a Googler in Tech. A few sample topics you
can discuss: interview prep, ERG's, Company Culture, Career Trajectory, Relocation etc. The program is not an
interview nor does it impact your score/performance in a future interview. Let me know if you’re interested and want to
participate! I HIGHLY recommend taking advantage of this.

CREATING A MORE INCLUSIVE GOOGLE 

It’s important to us to create an accessible, inclusive workplace for everyone, so please complete this form if you need
any accommodations for your interviews, like a sign language interpreter, specialized equipment, or a lactation break
and room. Our candidate accommodations team will then connect with you to confidentially discuss your options.
 

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 Also, if you haven’t already, please remember to fill out our Voluntary Self Identification form. This is a form that we
ask all candidates to fill out as part of our U.S. recruitment process. This form contains questions that help us comply
with our legal obligations and assists us with our diversity, recruitment and retention efforts. While we ask all
candidates to fill out the form, disclosure is voluntary, and the information will be kept confidential in compliance with
Google's Candidate Privacy Policy. You can fill out the form by searching your inbox for an email with the subject, “A
Message from Google.” Click on the link provided in the body of that email to access the form. If you are unable to
locate the email, please let me know and I can request for it to be resent.
 
We know our best work will come when our workforce reflects the world around us.  At Google there are currently 15
Employee Resource Groups (ERGs) with more than 250+ chapters globally, which enable  Googlers to connect with a
network of people who share their values of supporting diversity, equity and inclusion. Google ERGs reach and
connect over 16,000+ Googlers across the globe. Learn more!

 
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS 
Interview Feedback: We ask our interviewers to submit feedback within 3 business days of the virtual onsite
interviews. Please note on occasion we experience latency with interview feedback. Rest assured I am tracking it
down. As soon as feedback is in I will reach out to schedule a call on next steps. I am not able to share any feedback
from the interview. I can only share directional next steps, which is a Google wide policy. 

Hiring Timeline: The interview timeline starts the day of the interview. Our interview timeline on average is 6-8 weeks,
but each case is unique, so please note the interview timeline varies candidate by candidate. If at any point you have a
pressing timeline constraint(onsite interviews scheduled or offer in hand) please let me know ASAP, so we can work
through a plan together. 

Example Breakdown: Virtual Onsite Interview and gathering feedback (3-7 days), Internal Evaluation Period (1-2

weeks), Team Matching (2-5 weeks), Offer Stages(1-2 weeks).

Hiring Process: We are in the virtual onsite phase. After the interviews are complete we will gather feedback and if
the majority of the feedback is positive we will move forward to our 1 week internal evaluation period where we are
reviewing your interview performance and mapping out next steps. The potential outcomes at this stage could be 1)
move forward to team matching 2) we do not move forward or 3) we need additional information oftentimes in the form
of additional interviews. This is a confidential step we cannot share any feedback or process information from. If we
move forward to team matching you will be provided a detailed overview of that phase. The team matching phase can
take some time(2-5 weeks on average) as we are looking for a mutual match. If we are able to find a team we will
move on to offer phases! Please note an offer at Google is contingent on finding a team match.

Interviewer Information: We cannot provide the interviewer's name or team to protect their confidentiality. 

Order of Interview Topics: We cannot share the order of interview topics for the interview day. The interviewer will let
you know the topic at the onset of the interview.

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Scheduling Additional Interviews: We can only schedule you for 5 interviews. We cannot request additional
interviews if you feel a round did not go so well, so make sure you put your all into the 5 rounds you have. If we get
through the internal evaluation period on occasion we may ask for additional interviews if we could not come to a
decision without them. This is rare, so do not bank on additional interviews being scheduled.

If you have any questions or concerns please don't hesitate to reach out to me via email. My goal (and job!) is to set
you up to succeed. I am happy to advocate for you throughout the hiring process! Our coordination team will be
reaching out to you soon with the next steps.
________________________________________________

Kaitie Juberg (she / her)

SWE Recruiter [+1 650-253-9063]  
|Learn more about our candidate privacy
policy.| 

Please Note I am on the East Coast. My office hours are between 9am-5pm EST Monday - Friday. Upcoming vacation for
Holidays December 17th - January 3rd. 

6 attachments
SENIOR SWE PREP.pdf

944K
Virtual Design Interivew Guide.pdf

113K
G&L Prep Docs.pdf

693K
general_virtual_interviews_candidate_resource.pdf

153K
2. Interview Tips.pdf

92K
3. Interview advices.pdf

176K

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