How to Prepare for Software Engineering Interview at Google?

Wondering how to prepare for a Google interview?

You're at the right place.

Here, an SDE I at Google shares the strategies he used to create his fail-proof interview preparation routine.

For Google interview preparation, what's better than studying from someone who's already been in your shoes, and succeeded?

So, get a notebook and pen, and get ready to learn how to prepare for a job interview for a brilliant career at Google.⭐

My 11-step Interview Preparation Routine for the SDE I Role at Google

1. Researching the role and expectations

I started by carefully reading the job description provided by Google for the SDE I position. 

It helped me understand the essential responsibilities and qualifications they were looking for. 

I listed technical skills (like programming languages and frameworks) and soft skills (like teamwork and problem-solving) mentioned in the description. 

👉This crucial step helped me tailor my preparation to match their expectations.

I also researched Google's official website to understand its culture and values. 

It was crucial because Google often assesses how well candidates align with their values during the interview process. 

I noted examples of how Google emphasises innovation, collaboration, and user-focused development.

2. Understanding Google's interview process

I started by researching Google's interview process online. 

I read blog posts, watched YouTube videos, and read articles written by people who had gone through the process. 

It gave me an idea of what to expect and the different stages of the interview.⭐

I noted the format, duration, and expectations for the technical, coding, system design, and Googleyness interviews.

Google focuses on specific competencies during their interviews, such as problem-solving, coding skills, algorithmic knowledge, and system design. 

I listed competencies and examples from my past experiences demonstrating my proficiency in each area.

3. Self-assessment and skill-gap analysis

I took an honest look at my skills and experience. 

I listed my technical strengths: proficiency in data structures, algorithms, and programming languages like Python and Java. 

I also noted my previous projects, internships, and coursework that were relevant to the role. 

⭐This step helped me identify areas where I felt confident and where I could improve.

With my mentor's (an experienced senior engineer at Google) guidance, I reviewed the required skills and qualifications from the job description and compared them with my self-assessment. 

We categorised the skills into three groups: "Strong," "Moderate," and "Need Improvement." 

⭐It helped me clearly see where my strengths lay and where I needed to focus my efforts. And avoid wasting them elsewhere.

4. Creating a study plan

Based on the above assessment, I crafted a detailed study plan. 

It outlined the specific topics I needed to cover, the resources I would use, and a timeline for each preparation phase. 

I allotted more time to challenging topics and set realistic daily and weekly study targets. 

⭐My mentor introduced me to the concept of time blocking to ensure efficient time management. 

We divided each day into focused blocks of time dedicated to specific tasks. 

For instance, I allocated Tuesdays for in-depth technical study, Wednesdays for coding practice, and Fridays for mock interviews and reviews.

Want professional help to create a customised upskilling plan and quit wasting time and energy sifting through online courses? Go here.

5. Using the right resources

With the plethora of study resources available, I was naturally confused about what to go with.  

Luckily, my mentor helped me select the most relevant and reliable ones. 

It saved me from wasting time on irrelevant or low-quality materials. 

I chose textbooks, online courses, coding platforms, and practice question sources that were valued within the tech community. 

⭐My mentor also taught me the importance of time and space complexity analysis. 

I analysed the efficiency of my solutions, understanding the trade-offs between different approaches. 

This skill was crucial when tackling optimisation problems, a common theme in Google's interviews.

6. Coding practice

When I started practising coding problems, I noticed that many were complex and intimidating at first glance. 

To tackle this, I developed a systematic approach to break down each problem into smaller parts.

⭐I would carefully read the problem statement, identify critical inputs and outputs, and understand any constraints given.

Before diving into the actual code, I found it extremely helpful to visualise the problem. 

I would sketch out examples and walk through the solution in my mind. 

It helped me solidify the logic before writing any code. 

Then, I would write pseudocode to outline the steps of the solution in plain language. 

This step was crucial in organising my thoughts and clarifying the approach I wanted to take.

⭐One of the most impactful pieces of advice my mentor gave me was to focus on depth rather than breadth. 

It's better to understand a few concepts thoroughly than to have a superficial grasp of many. 

This approach helped me master specific topics, boosting my problem-solving confidence.

7. Doubling down on mock interviews 

I specifically practised mock interviews with a professional mentor because they have experience with real job interviews and know what employers look for. 

⭐They can provide feedback based on actual industry standards that my peers wouldn't.

My mentor emphasised a structured problem-solving approach:

• Understanding the problem
• Devising a clear plan
• Writing the code incrementally
• Testing it thoroughly 

They taught me to think out loud, explaining my thought process, which is crucial in Google's interviews.

After each mock interview, my mentor provided detailed feedback. 

They pointed out areas where I could improve, such as optimising my code, handling edge cases, and making my explanations more concise. 

⭐This iterative feedback loop was invaluable in refining my skills.

Read: Peer to Peer vs Mentor-Based Mock Interviews

8. System design preparation

I reviewed key system design concepts such as scalability, data modelling, microservices architecture, caching, load balancing, and database design to build a firm foundation. 

I focused on understanding these ideas clearly before diving into practical applications.

⭐I studied real-world systems like Facebook's news feed, Instagram's image sharing, and Uber's ride-hailing service. 

It helped me understand how these platforms manage massive user bases and data loads efficiently.

I also practised creating diagrams to represent system components, interactions, and data flows, visually. 

⭐Drawing out these diagrams helped me visualise how different parts of a system interacted with each other.

Most importantly, I focused on an iterative learning process with my mentor. 

With each practice session, I incorporated the feedback I received and refined my approach. It helped me gradually improve my design skills.

9. Behavioural interview preparation

To clear the Googleyness interview round, I learned about the STAR (Situation, Task, Action, Result) method for structuring responses. 

This method allowed me to provide specific examples from my past experiences that highlighted qualities like collaboration, problem-solving, and adaptability—qualities that Google values.

I identified situations from my previous roles aligned with Google's desired attributes. 

For instance, I recalled a time when I took the initiative to lead a cross-functional team to resolve a critical issue. 

This showcased teamwork and leadership—attributes Google looks for.

⭐I tailored these stories to address specific dimensions of Googleyness, such as "bias to action" or "humility."

Last but not least, I practised maintaining good eye contact and positive body language to show my excitement about the opportunity to contribute to Google's mission.

10. Adapting and tracking my progress

Reviewing my mistakes was a crucial part of my preparation process. 

Rather than rigidly sticking to my initial plan, I kept reviewing and adapting to areas I needed to improve.

⭐My mentor helped me maintain a detailed spreadsheet to track my progress. 

Each day, I logged the topics I studied, the problems I solved, and the areas where I faced challenges. 

⭐This visual representation of my efforts allowed me to identify patterns, assess my growth, and adapt my strategy accordingly.

This strategy ensured I effectively managed my time, energy, and resources while preparing.

11. Managing stress and self-care

Last but not least, besides technical prep, maintaining your physical and mental health is also essential.

⭐I kept the jitters at bay because of my well-planned interview preparation routine.

My structured approach prevented me from overwhelming myself and gave me a sense of accomplishment as I completed each segment.

Self-care wasn't just an afterthought but a cornerstone of my preparation. 

I cared for my health best and ensured I got all the basics like sleep and nutrition right.

My mentor's guidance was one of the most significant pillars of my preparation. 

Their insights were invaluable. 

⭐We set up regular meetings where I could ask questions, discuss my progress, and receive personalised advice. 

They helped me identify my weak points and provided resources to strengthen them. 

⭐This one-on-one interaction made the preparation less daunting and more achievable.

Final Thoughts

Securing a Google SDE I role demands a rigorous and focused preparation routine. 

My 11-step approach encompassed thorough research, targeted skill improvement, continuous practice, and holistic self-care. 

I successfully navigated through the challenging interview process by understanding the role, aligning with Google's expectations, and refining my technical and soft skills. 

And you can do it, too.⭐

Remember, while the journey may seem daunting, a systematic and persistent approach can turn your dream of becoming a Google SDE I into a reality. 

⭐And if you feel stuck in your preparation journey, know that talented and passionate career mentors are ready to hold your hand and help you walk toward success.

You only need to reach out.

Good luck!

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Try a free 1:1 career mentoring session with an experienced mentor from your field.

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Also read:

Google Interview Preparation Guide for SWE II & SWE III

A Beginner’s Guide to Google Technical Interview Preparation