Check out this article with tips for success on Google interview questions!
Updated in 2023
When you apply for positions at big tech companies like Google, Facebook, and Amazon, you might think you can skip the research because you use the product. But, that is not the case! We have worked with over 1,000 people to land their dream job at these companies. So, we wanted to compile our best advice to help you prepare and go into your interviews with confidence.
- Research Google to prepare for your interviews
- Gather knowledge about the Google interview process
- Prepare for your Google interviews
Step 1: Research Google to prepare for your interviews
Start by looking at their About page to see their mission. When you prepare your elevator pitch and your responses to behavioral interview questions, explain how your interests and background match their mission and goals. Then, continue reading the page to see recent news about Google. You can use this info in your interviews to let them know that you are keeping up-to-date on the company. In addition, take a look at their commitments and stories. This can help you get a better sense of what they are looking for in a team member.
Next, take a look at their Products page. That way you can get a good sense of what the teams at Google are working on. Especially if you are planning to interview for a specific group, the more knowledge you can get on the product, the better off you will be in your sessions. On their Commitments page, you can learn about their values. This is extremely important when you answer behavioral questions because they are testing how you fit with their culture. Companies like Google (and Netflix and Amazon) are known for asking specifically about their values, so be prepared!
Step 2: Gather knowledge about the Google interview process
Google has established interview processes, which is great, because it means you can prepare for each step. While they mostly follow the same structures, it’s important to accurately understand what you will see.
The Google interview process typically takes 4 weeks on average and follows this order.
- Stage 1: Phone screen with recruiter.
- Step 2: 1-2 technical phone interviews with team members or a technical assignment.
- Stage 3: Onsite interview with 5-6 different people. These onsite interviews consist of technical and behavioral interviews, lunch, and some cross-functional interviews.
Step 3: Prepare for these interviews
The first interview in the process is the phone screen, which is typically fairly casual. This is the company’s first chance to get to know you as a candidate. So, they likely will be asking you questions about why you are interested in the position, how your background relates to the role, and why you would be a good fit for the company.
Here are some typical phone screen questions:
- How did you find this role?
- What do you know about this company?
- What are you looking for in your next role?
For more phone screen questions and answers you can adapt, check out our article.
When you get to the technical challenges and onsite technical interviews, you should make sure you are well-prepared by practicing the kinds of problems you will be asked and timing yourself. For engineers, working with a partner in pair programming practice sessions can be especially helpful. We have a list of Google interview questions that you can use to practice for software engineering, data science, product design, and product management interviews.
Once you go onsite or into your final round if it is remote, you will also have behavioral interviews. This is another place where you can put your research on company values and mission to work. Prepare your responses by writing them down and practicing them in front of a mirror or with a partner. Make sure your responses are succinct and positive, even if you are being asked about a difficult time.
Here are some examples of Google behavioral interview questions:
- Tell me about a time when you solved a conflict at work.
- Which of the company values/principles is your greatest strength?
- How do you move forward with stakeholders who want to go in one direction but you don’t think that’s the right way to do it?
We have also compiled a list of behavioral interview questions from top tech companies that you can use to prepare.
For more specific information on how to get a job at tech companies, check out our guides with interview processes, questions, values, and everything else you need.
Pathrise is a career accelerator that works with students and professionals 1-on-1 so they can land their dream job in tech. With these tips and guidance, we’ve seen responses to applications triple and interview scores double.
If you want to work with any of our mentors 1-on-1 to optimize your applications, interviews, or with any other aspect of the job search, become a Pathrise fellow.
Apply today.
