Top 5 Google Interview Questions You Need to Know - IQ Code

Google Interview Questions

Are you preparing for a Google interview? Take a free mock test to help you prepare for the interview.

About Google

Google LLC is a multinational technology company founded in 1998 by Larry Page and Sergey Brin. Their company specializes in providing Internet-related services and products such as cloud computing, online advertising technologies, software, hardware, and a search engine. Along with Amazon, Apple, Microsoft, and Facebook, Google is one of the Big Five companies in the US Information Technology industry. In 2015, the company was reorganized as a wholly-owned subsidiary of Alphabet Inc. Sundar Pichai is the CEO of both Google and Alphabet.

There have been numerous factors contributing to the rapid growth of Google since its incorporation, including acquisitions, partnerships, and new products beyond its core search engine. Google ranks second in Forbes's list of most valuable brands and fourth in Interbrand's ranking.

Google offers a plethora of products, which may tempt one to apply for a job there. Google's hiring process is a vital aspect of its culture, and its teams strive to create a more representative and inclusive workplace. As per Googlers, a diversity of perspectives and experiences, coupled with a fair hiring process, is the first step in achieving their goal of building for everyone. You can learn more about Google's recruitment process at https://careers.google.com/how-we-hire/.

Google Interview Process, Coding Questions, Tips, and FAQs

If you're preparing for an interview at Google, here's what you need to know about the interview process, coding questions, tips, and frequently asked questions (FAQs).

Interview Process at Google

The Google interview process typically consists of several rounds of interviews. The first round is a screening interview, usually conducted over the phone, to determine if you meet the basic qualifications for the job. If you pass this stage, you will be invited to a series of on-site interviews, which may include technical, behavioral, and problem-solving assessments.

Google Coding Question

Google is known for asking challenging coding questions during their interviews. Some example questions include:

  • How would you implement a search engine?
  • Reverse a linked list.
  • Given two arrays, write a function to compute their intersection.

It's important to practice coding questions before your interview to increase your chances of success.

Tips for interviewing at Google

Here are some tips for interviewing at Google:

  • Prepare for coding challenges by practicing coding problems, such as those offered on websites like HackerRank and LeetCode.
  • Brush up on computer science concepts and algorithms, as interviewers may ask you to implement various data structures during the interview.
  • Show your thought process when answering questions. Interviewers are often looking for problem-solving skills and critical thinking abilities.
  • Be prepared to answer behavioral questions, such as those about your experience working on a team or handling difficult situations.
  • Research the company and familiarize yourself with their products and services.

FAQ for Google

Here are some frequently asked questions about Google:

  • What is it like to work at Google?
  • How many interviews does Google conduct?
  • What is the interview process at Google?
  • What types of coding questions are asked at Google interviews?
  • How can I prepare for a Google interview?

Google's Interview Process

Recruiter Connect: Recruiters may reach out to candidates based on their LinkedIn profile or if they were referred by someone they know. However, it is best to message recruiters through LinkedIn and apply for roles on Google's career page. Participating in Google Kickstart, a hiring contest that takes place six times a year, is highly recommended for those with strong DS & Algo skills. Good performance in these competitions makes it easy for recruiters to reach out to candidates.

Interview Rounds: Google has a total of 7 rounds. The first two are telephonic interviews where the interviewer asks either one medium or two easy Algorithmic and Data Structure problems, and the candidate has 45 minutes to solve them. If the performance in Kickstart is good, these rounds are skipped, and the candidate moves to the next rounds. The next five rounds are onsite interviews – four are Algorithmic and Data Structure interviews and one is a Googliness interview (mostly a behavioral interview).

After Interviews: Once interviews are completed, the recruiter provides feedback. If the performance is good and the interviews are cleared, the candidate's profile goes to different teams in Google for the team matching round. During the team matching round, the team tries to understand the candidate's work style and interests, while the candidate can understand the team's requirements and work expectations.

Hired: If a team and candidate both agree and are ready to start, the offer letter is prepared and shared by the recruiter and the candidate is hired.

Interview Rounds:

Telephonic Interviews (Two Rounds): These are two 45-minute interviews over the phone where the interviewer shares a Google doc with the candidate and presents either a medium problem or two easy problems related to Algorithms and Data Structures. It is expected that the candidate explains the solution of the problem to the interviewer and then codes the problem on Google Doc within the time of the interview. Candidates should practice writing code on Google Doc before interviewing as the experience is different than writing code in any text editor.

Algorithmic and Data Structure Interviews (Three to Four Rounds): These are 45-minute interviews where the interviewer shares a Google Doc with the candidate and asks for Medium to Hard problems related to Algorithms and Data Structures. It is expected that the candidate first explains the solution to the problem to the interviewer and then codes the problem on Google Doc within the time of the interview.

Googliness Interviews (One Round): This is a new interview that Google started in 2020. The interview is mostly a behavioral interview to evaluate cultural fit.

Mastering the Google Software Engineering Interview

Google Coding Questions

Here are some coding questions from Google:


/**
 * Gas Station
 * Problem Description: There are N gas stations along a circular route, where the amount of gas at station i is A[i].
 * You have a car with an unlimited gas tank and it costs B[i] of gas to travel from station i to its next station (i+1).
 * You begin the journey with an empty tank at one of the gas stations.
 * Find a simple way to travel around the circuit once, starting and ending at the same station,
 * such that the total cost of the trip is minimized. 
*/

function canCompleteCircuit(gas, cost) {
    let len = gas.length;
    let p = 0;
    for (let i = 0; i < len; i += p + 1) {
        let gasInTank = 0;
        p = 0;
        for (let j = i; j < len + i && p < len; j++, p++) {
            let k = j % len;
            gasInTank += gas[k] - cost[k];
            if (gasInTank < 0) break;
        }
        if (p === len && gasInTank >= 0) return i;
    }
    return -1;
}

/**
 * Majority Element
 * Problem Description: Given an array of size n, find the majority element. 
 * The majority element is the element that appears more than floor(n/2) times.
*/

function majorityElement(nums) {
    let count = 0, candidate = 0;
    for (let num of nums) {
        if (count === 0) {
            candidate = num;
        }
        count += (num === candidate) ? 1 : -1;
    }
    return candidate;
}

/**
 * Max Rectangle in Binary Matrix
 * Problem Description: Given a 2D binary matrix filled with 0’s and 1’s,
 * find the largest rectangle containing all ones and return its area.
 * Bonus if you can solve it in O(n^2).
*/

function maximalRectangle(matrix) {
    if (matrix === null || matrix.length === 0 || matrix[0].length === 0) {
        return 0;
    }
    let height = new Array(matrix[0].length + 1).fill(0);
    let maxArea = 0;
    for (let i = 0; i < matrix.length; i++) {
        let stack = [];
        for (let j = 0; j < height.length; j++) {
            if (j < matrix[0].length) {
                if (matrix[i][j] === '1') height[j]++;
                else height[j] = 0;
            }
            while (stack.length !== 0 && height[j] < height[stack[stack.length - 1]]) {
                let index = stack.pop();
                let h = height[index];
                let w = (stack.length === 0) ? j : j - stack[stack.length - 1] - 1;
                maxArea = Math.max(maxArea, h * w);
            }
            stack.push(j);
        }
    }
    return maxArea;
}

/**
 * Distinct Subsequences
 * Problem Description: Given two sequences A, B, count number of unique ways in sequence A,
 * to form a subsequence that is identical to the sequence B.
 * Subsequence: A subsequence of a string is a new string which is formed from
 * the original string by deleting some (can be none) of the characters without
 * disturbing the relative positions of the remaining characters. 
*/

function numDistinct(s, t) {
    let dp = new Array(t.length + 1).fill(0);
    dp[0] = 1;
    for (let i = 1; i <= s.length; i++) {
        for (let j = t.length; j >= 1; j--) {
            dp[j] += (s[i - 1] === t[j - 1]) ? dp[j - 1] : 0;
        }
    }
    return dp[t.length];
}

/**
 * Palindrome Partitioning II
 * Problem Description: Given a string A, partition A such that every substring of the partition is a palindrome.
 * Return the minimum cuts needed for a palindrome partitioning.
*/

function minCut(s) {
    let dp = new Array(s.length).fill().map(() => new Array(s.length).fill(false));
    let cut = new Array(s.length).fill(0);
    for (let j = 0; j < s.length; j++) {
        cut[j] = j;
        for (let i = 0; i <= j; i++) {
            if (s[i] === s[j] && ((j - i) <= 1 || dp[i + 1][j - 1])) {
                dp[i][j] = true;
                cut[j] = (i === 0) ? 0 : Math.min(cut[j], cut[i - 1] + 1);
            }
        }
    }
    return cut[s.length - 1];
}

/**
 * Min Jumps Array
 * Problem Description: Given an array of non-negative integers, A, of length N,
 * you are initially positioned at the first index of the array.
 * Each element in the array represents your maximum jump length at that position.
 * Your target is to reach the last index of the array in the minimum number of jumps.
*/

function jump(nums) {
    let res = 0, curEnd = 0, curFarthest = 0;
    for (let i = 0; i < nums.length - 1; i++) {
        curFarthest = Math.max(curFarthest, i + nums[i]);
        if (i === curEnd) {
            res++;
            curEnd = curFarthest;
        }
    }
    return res;
}

/**
 * Edit Distance
 * Problem Description: Given two strings A and B, find the minimum number of steps required
 * to convert A to B. (each operation is counted as 1 step.)
*/

function minDistance(word1, word2) {
    if (!word1 || !word2) {
        return word1 ? word1.length : word2 ? word2.length : 0;
    }
    let l1 = word1.length, l2 = word2.length;
    let dp = new Array(l1 + 1).fill().map(() => new Array(l2 + 1).fill(0));
    for (let i = 0; i <= l1; i++) {
        for (let j = 0; j <= l2; j++) {
            if (i === 0 || j === 0) {
                dp[i][j] = i + j;
            } else {
                if (word1.charAt(i - 1) === word2.charAt(j - 1)) {
                    dp[i][j] = dp[i - 1][j - 1];
                } else {
                    dp[i][j] = Math.min(dp[i - 1][j - 1], dp[i][j - 1], dp[i - 1][j]) + 1;
                }
            }
        }
    }
    return dp[l1][l2];
}

/**
 * Word Break
 * Problem Description: Given a string A and a dictionary of words B, determine if A can be
 * segmented into a space-separated sequence of one or more dictionary words.
*/

function wordBreak(s, wordDict) {
    let dp = new Array(s.length + 1).fill(false);
    dp[0] = true;
    for (let i = 1; i <= s.length; i++) {
        for (let w of wordDict) {
            if (w.length <= i && dp[i - w.length] && s.substring(i - w.length, i) === w) {
                dp[i] = true;
                break;
            }
        }
    }
    return dp[s.length];
}

/**
 * Regular Expression II
 * Problem Description: Implement regular expression matching with support for '.' and '*'.
 * '.' Matches any single character. '*' Matches zero or more of the preceding element.
*/

function isMatch(s, p) {
    if (p.length === 0) return s.length === 0;
    if (p.length === 1) {
        if (s.length !== 1) return false;
        return p.charAt(0) === s.charAt(0) || p.charAt(0) === '.';
    }
    if (p.charAt(1) !== '*') {
        if (s.length < 1) return false;
        return (p.charAt(0) === s.charAt(0) || p.charAt(0) === '.')
            && isMatch(s.substr(1), p.substr(1));
    }
    while (s.length > 0 && (p.charAt(0) === s.charAt(0) || p.charAt(0) === '.')) {
        if (isMatch(s, p.substr(2))) return true;
        s = s.substr(1);
    }
    return isMatch(s, p.substr(2));
}

/**
 * Interleaving Strings
 * Problem Description: Given A, B, C, find whether C is formed by the interleaving of A and B.
*/

function isInterleave(s1, s2, s3) {
    if (s1.length + s2.length !== s3.length) {
        return false;
    }
    let dp = new Array(s2.length + 1).fill(false);
    for (let i = 0; i <= s1.length; i++) {
        for (let j = 0; j <= s2.length; j++) {
            if (i === 0 && j === 0) {
                dp[j] = true;
            } else if (i === 0) {
                dp[j] = dp[j - 1] && s2.charAt(j - 1) === s3.charAt(i + j - 1);
            } else if (j === 0) {
                dp[j] = dp[j] && s1.charAt(i - 1) === s3.charAt(i + j - 1);
            } else {
                dp[j] = (dp[j] && s1.charAt(i - 1) === s3.charAt(i + j - 1))
                    || (dp[j - 1] && s2.charAt(j - 1) === s3.charAt(i + j - 1));
            }
        }
    }
    return dp[s2.length];
}

Tips for Google Interview Preparation

If you want to succeed in Google's hiring process, here are some tips:

  • Understand Google's work culture well: Showing interest in how the company operates and what is expected of employees can make a good impression on interviewers.
  • Be proficient in data structures and algorithms: Google values good problem solvers. Demonstrating expertise in data structures, algorithms, and having relevant project experience can earn extra brownie points.
  • Use the STAR method to format your responses: This structured approach to address behavioral-based interview questions involves describing the situation, task, action taken, and the result of the experience. Be prepared with a real-life story that you can describe using the STAR method.
  • Recognize and describe your strengths: It's okay to highlight your strengths properly and honestly as and when required. Don't feel shy about discussing your abilities.
  • Make the conversation flow: An interview is not a written exam. You need to make the interviewer understand your thought process. Asking relevant questions can also help make a good impression on the interviewer.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

How many rounds are there in a Google Interview?

There are usually 6-7 rounds of interviews. This includes 2 telephonic interviews, 3-4 interviews on data structures and algorithms, and 1 Googliness interview.

Why do you want to join Google?

Google offers its employees a vast amount of opportunities in high-quality products, excellent work culture, and compensation in the higher end of Information Technology or Software Industry standards.

Are Google interviews challenging?

The toughness of the interview depends on the amount of hard work you put in to prepare for them. Generally, the questions asked in a standard Google interview are of Easy to Medium Level. However, it can vary from person to person. Since the number of interview rounds ranges from four to seven, it can be intimidating at times for a candidate. But if you are in, it is going to be worth the effort.

Can I apply for multiple roles at Google?

Yes, you can apply for roles that align with your interests and skills. You will be evaluated against the requirements for each role and give interviews for different roles at the same time. However, within a span of thirty days, you can only apply for three roles at Google.

What are some questions that one should ask the interviewer at Google?

It is always nice to ask questions about the company’s culture, current technology used for making products, and future innovations. Additionally, asking about the interviewer’s personal experience at Google and what skills you must develop before joining the job can be helpful.

What is Googleyness?

Googleyness refers to a set of qualities that make a person stand out and fit into the unique culture of Google. Although not officially confirmed by Google, some of these qualities include striving for excellence, staying goal-oriented, being proactive, doing something to help others without expecting anything in return, valuing users and colleagues, rewarding great performance, and being transparent, honest, and fair.

Technical Interview Guides

Here are guides for technical interviews, categorized from introductory to advanced levels.

View All

Best MCQ

As part of their written examination, numerous tech companies necessitate candidates to complete multiple-choice questions (MCQs) assessing their technical aptitude.

View MCQ's
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