Why I Fail Candidates During Google Interviews.

Summary

In this video, a former Google software engineer shares insights on the tech interview process, from applying to the final onsite stage. The video highlights that communication skills, not just coding, are crucial for standing out. Candidates are advised to clarify questions, think out loud, and test their code thoroughly. It also covers each stage: applying early, acing the online assessment, preparing for the phone screen, and succeeding in the onsite interview. The speaker emphasizes the importance of mock interviews and offers practical tips for improving interview performance.

Takeaways

• 😊 Data structures and algorithms aren't the primary challenge in tech interviews; communication skills are just as crucial.
• 👨‍💻 For big tech interviews like Google's, coding proficiency is expected, so they differentiate candidates based on other metrics, like communication and problem clarification.
• 📅 Applying early increases your chances of getting noticed due to the competitive nature of the application process.
• 💻 The online assessment focuses on coding problems, often medium-level difficulty similar to LeetCode, and about half the candidates drop off at this stage.
• 📞 The phone screen interview involves solving real coding problems with a Google engineer, often using an internal IDE for coding (similar to VS Code).
• 🧪 Mock interviews are an excellent resource for preparation, doubling the chances of receiving an offer, and provide feedback for improvement.
• 👏 Reaching the on-site interview stage is a significant achievement; it involves multiple coding interviews testing collaboration, communication, and problem-solving beyond just coding skills.
• ❓ Clarifying the problem during interviews is essential; candidates often make mistakes by rushing into coding without fully understanding the problem.
• 🗣️ Communicating your thought process out loud while coding helps interviewers understand your approach and shows strong collaboration skills.
• 🕒 Instead of just stating the time complexity, explaining the runtime of different parts of your code in detail will set you apart from other candidates.

Q & A

What is the primary skill candidates struggle with in Google interviews, according to the speaker?

The speaker mentions that communication is the primary skill candidates struggle with, rather than data structures and algorithms. Candidates often fail to clarify the problem or communicate their thought process effectively.

What advice does the speaker give for the application stage?

The speaker advises applying early in the application cycle, as it becomes more competitive later on. A referral is not necessary because companies like Google treat all applications similarly, regardless of whether they come with a referral.

What is the online assessment like in the Google interview process?

The online assessment typically involves solving medium-difficulty coding problems, similar to those found on LeetCode. It tests whether the candidate can demonstrate the coding skills they list on their resume.

How does the phone screen interview at Google differ from the online assessment?

In the phone screen interview, candidates meet a software engineer who presents a real coding problem. The purpose is to assess whether the candidate can succeed in the on-site interview, using a problem similar to what they'll face later.

What tool does Google use during phone screen interviews, and why is it helpful?

Google uses an internal IDE for phone screen interviews, which provides syntax highlighting and resembles development environments like VS Code. Although the code isn’t run, the tool makes it easier to write and review code.

What is the purpose of mock interviews, and why are they beneficial?

Mock interviews help candidates prepare for phone screens and on-site interviews by simulating the experience. They provide feedback on areas to improve, and candidates who do mock interviews are twice as likely to receive an offer.

Why is clarifying the problem important during technical interviews?

Clarifying the problem ensures candidates understand what they’re being asked to solve. Many candidates rush into coding without fully understanding the question, leading to mistakes or missing key details like test cases.

How can candidates improve their communication skills during coding interviews?

Candidates should explain their thought process out loud as they code. This helps the interviewer understand their approach, and it's especially important in showcasing collaboration and problem-solving skills.

What mistake do candidates often make when discussing the running time of their code?

Many candidates simply state the overall running time of their solution (e.g., linear or quadratic), but interviewers want a more detailed explanation. Candidates should break down the running time of different parts of their code.

What should candidates do after completing their code in an interview?

Candidates should review their code by walking through it line by line with test cases they defined earlier. This ensures the code actually works as expected and demonstrates to the interviewer that the candidate can verify their solution.