Google | SWE2 (L3) | Bengaluru | Oct 2024 | Offer
Education: 2023 passout from VIT Vellore — CSE Branch
Past Experience: Ivanti (SDE-1 for 1.5 Years + SDE Intern for 0.5 Years)
Previous Tech stack: C++/Backend/Windows development/Networking/Security.
Position Interviewed for: SWE2 (L3) at Google, Bengaluru
Timeline of Selection Process: 3.5 months approx. — Aug 2024 to Nov 2024
Preparation Strategy: Leetcode from past 20 months (last 1 month premium)
Result: Selected :-)
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Application Process
I had applied to Google several times before, both with and without referrals, but this time a recruiter reached out to me via LinkedIn in late August 2024. After expressing interest, my resume was shortlisted, and the recruiter scheduled the interview process. This was my first time appearing for Google Interview Process.
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Pre-Screening Round 1: Resume Discussion
Date: Mid-September 2024
Duration: ~30 minutes
This was more of a discussion than a technical interview.
The recruiter asked about:
- My current roles and responsibilities.
- How much time I spent in coding, debugging, planning, etc.
- Why I want to join Google? Why I want to switch from my current job?
- My technical skills and proficiency in various languages.
- How I would rate myself in DSA, my strong areas?
- Expected CTC
- How much time I need for the preparation?
Recruiter also explained about the whole selection timeline, and how it will happen. Also shared various pdfs and videos explaining what and how to prepare of Google Interviews and all. I asked for 1 week of preparation time and he told to take 2 weeks at least.
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Pre-Screening Round 2: Technical Phone Interview
Date: September 2024 (Last Week)
Duration: 45 minutes
- A question involving topic of Prefix Sum in a 2D array (easy level question)
- A question invloving topic of Binary Search (not so straightforward - medium)
I solved both questions, including coding, dry runs, and explanations, within 30 minutes. The interviewer was satisfied, and the round concluded early at 35 minutes.
Self-Rating: Strong Hire
Feedback: Very Positive. The recruiter informed me I was ready for onsite rounds and asked about my preparation time. I mentioned one week, and this time, he agreed.
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Onsite Round 1
Date: October 2024 (First week)
Duration: 45 minutes
I was given a LeetCode Hard Premium question (tags: deque, greedy, sorting, simulation). Initially, the problem seemed manageable. I explained my approach, and the interviewer was satisfied. However, while coding, I got stuck at the end part and found the issue after debugging with interviwer. I explained the issue and modified my solution. The interviewer was patient and provided guidance. Despite the round extending by 5 minutes, I managed to reach the optimal solution with their help.
Self-Rating: Lean Hire
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Onsite Round 2
Date: October 2024 (First week)
Duration: 45 minutes
- A problem involving stack, prefix sum, and line sweep.
- A graph problem solvable via BFS.
I successfully solved both questions with complete dry runs and explanations within the allotted time.
Self-Rating: Strong Hire
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Onsite Round 3
Date: October 2024 (Second week)
Duration: 45 minutes
- A BFS problem followed by a follow-up that required some tweaks.
- A DFS problem with a follow-up where I implemented Dijkstra’s algorithm.
While I solved the first question smoothly, I faced some confusion with the second question. The interviewer provided one hint, which helped me reach the solution.
Self-Rating: Hire
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Onsite Round 4: Googliness & Leadership
Date: October 2024 (Second week)
Duration: 30 minutes
5 questions related to Googlyness, Leadership, Conflict, Learning, etc
Self-Rating: Hire / Strong Hire
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Result
The recruiter informed me that the overall feedback was great. My profile was forwarded for the team-matching phase, during which I participated in two calls over the next couple of weeks. I was selected by the second team. Following the team match, my profile was sent to the Hiring Committee (HC) for final approval. After two weeks in early November, I received the HC approval and offer was rolled out :-)
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