How to Prepare for Software Engineering Interview at Google?

‍Wondering how to get into Google as a Software Engineer?

You're at the right place.

I’ve had the pleasure of mentoring some brilliant folks at Preplaced and Shaurya, a software engineering fresher, is one of them.

Here, he’s sharing his interview preparation routine for a software engineering role at Google.

When it comes to knowing the interview prep experience, what's better than studying from someone already in your shoes?

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

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Hello everyone, I’m Shaurya, currently in the process of applying to Google as a software engineer.

It’s always been my dream to work at Google, and I wanted to fail-proof my interview preparation for the role.

So, I chose to work with a Prelaced mentor.

I connected with Subham Gupta, a Software Engineer III at Google with 6+ years of experience in the field.

Post our initial meeting, I knew right away working with him was the best decision!

From assessing my skills, understanding Google’s interview process, and doing mock interviews, he was right alongside me.

His guidance kept me on track and ensured I always had a listening ear.

Below, I’m sharing how to prepare for software engineering interview at Google in 2 months’ time.

Taking a page from my book might help!

📍 Go here to try a free 1:1 interview prep session with a MAANG career mentor.

How to Prepare For Software Engineering Interview at Google? 10 Steps

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1. Researching the role and expectations

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

Subham 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 Google interview 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. 

Subham gave me a detailed idea of what to expect and the different stages of the interview.⭐

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

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

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 Subham’s 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.

📍 Tired of wasting time and energy going through endless online courses? 

Create a customised upskilling plan with a career mentor.

5. Using the right resources

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

Luckily, Subham 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

He taught me to think out loud, explaining my thought process, which is crucial to answer Google interview questions.

After each mock interview, Subham provided detailed feedback. 

He 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

📍 Practise real-life interviews with a senior MAANG professional. 

Try a mentorship session with Subham Gupta.

8. 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.

9. 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.

10. 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.

📍 Experience 1:1 interview prep with a Google SWE III.

Go here for a free trial.

FAQs

These are some questions Subham cleared for me when I first began preparing.

If you have the same queries, take a look!

1. Is Google software engineer interview tough?

Yes, Google's software engineer interviews are quite challenging. 

The company emphasises technical skills, problem-solving abilities, and cultural fit. 

You can expect multiple rounds of interviews, including technical coding interviews and behavioural assessments. 

Preparation is key, and candidates often spend considerable time practising algorithms, data structures, and coding problems.

2. Can you crack a Google interview in 1 month?

It's possible to prepare for a Google interview in one month, but it depends on your starting point and how much time you can dedicate to preparation during that month. 

If you already have a sound foundation in computer science and programming, intensive preparation for a month can improve your chances. 

However, many candidates prepare for several months to be well-prepared for the rigorous interview process.

3. How much is a software engineer at Google paid?

Google offers competitive salaries for software engineers. 

Compensation varies based on location, experience, and role specialisation. 

On average, an Indian Google software engineer can expect a base salary ranging from INR 54.1 Lakhs to INR 95 Lakhs or more, along with bonuses, stock options, and other benefits. 

Senior engineers and those with specialised skills can earn more.

4. What does a Software Engineer at Google do?

A Software Engineer at Google plays a vital role in developing and maintaining the company's products and services. Their responsibilities include:

• Designing and implementing software systems and applications.
• Writing clean, efficient, and maintainable code.
• Collaborating with cross-functional teams, including product managers and designers.
• Solving complex technical problems and optimising performance.
• Staying updated on industry trends and emerging technologies.

Google offers diverse projects, so the specific tasks can vary based on the team and product.

5. What is the acceptance rate for Google Software Engineer (SWE)?

Google does not disclose its exact acceptance rate for software engineers, but it’s competitive. 

The company receives many applications, and the interview process selects candidates who have strong technical skills and fit well with Google's culture. 

Preparing thoroughly and showcasing your problem-solving abilities and relevant experience can improve your acceptance chances!

Prepare For Your Google Interviews With an Experienced Mentor

Securing a Google software engineer role demands a rigorous and focused preparation routine. 

My 10-step approach encompassed thorough research, targeted skill improvement, continuous practice, and holistic self-care. 

I’ve prepared to successfully navigate 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 software engineer 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!

Go here for a free 1:1 career mentoring session with an experienced mentor from your field.

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Note: mentee’s name has been changed for confidentiality reasons.

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Also read:

Google Interview Preparation Guide for SWE II & SWE III

A Beginner’s Guide to Google Technical Interview Preparation