Google - Software Engineer Intern
Interview Process
Application and Online Coding Assessment
October 1, 2024Google internship applications opened on October 1st, 2024 and I applied on the same day to increase my chances of getting shortlisted. About a week later, I received an email from Google requesting additional details along with an online coding assessment link.
The assessment tested problem solving skills, data structures, and algorithmic thinking. The questions were time bound and focused on writing clean and efficient solutions while handling edge cases. Two days after completing the assessment, my recruiter confirmed that I had successfully cleared this round.
Technical Coding Interview
October 8, 2024The first technical interview started with a brief introduction from the interviewer followed by my self introduction. We then moved directly into a coding problem. The problem was based on Strings, HashMaps, and Stacks.
I asked clarifying questions before starting and explained my approach in detail. I focused on clean code, proper variable naming, and dry running the solution to handle edge cases. The interview lasted 45 minutes and I aimed to finish the solution by the 40 minute mark, using the remaining time to ask questions.
Advanced Technical Problem Solving Interview
October 8, 2024This round focused more on real world problem solving and communication. After a short introduction, the interviewer presented a problem that required strong analytical thinking. I spent time clarifying requirements and then discussed a Graph based approach.
Once the interviewer approved the approach, I implemented the solution while thinking out loud. After coding, I dry ran the solution to verify correctness and edge cases. The last few minutes were spent discussing the interviewer’s experience at Google and team culture.
Detailed Experience & Tips
I applied for the Google Software Engineer Internship on the very first day applications opened in October 2024. Around a week later, I received an online coding assessment which marked the beginning of the interview process. After clearing the assessment, my recruiter helped schedule my technical interviews and allowed me to choose dates. I intentionally kept a two week preparation gap.
For preparation, I followed a T shaped approach. I strengthened my fundamentals across all data structures while going deeper into topics frequently asked at Google such as Graphs, Dynamic Programming, and Two Pointer techniques. Raj Vikramaditya’s A to Z DSA sheet was extremely helpful in structuring my preparation.
Mock interviews played a crucial role in my success. I practiced with friends over Google Meet using shared Google Docs to simulate real interview conditions. This helped improve my communication, problem solving speed, and code quality while also identifying weak areas.
After clearing both technical interviews, I was informed that I had moved to the project matching phase. In mid January, I had calls with two different Google teams. I was matched with the first team and received my offer letter the very next day, officially becoming an incoming Noogler.
My advice to future candidates is to stay consistent with preparation, focus on problem solving fundamentals, communicate your thought process clearly, and enjoy the interview journey.