Getting a job at Google is the ultimate dream for many software engineers. At Google, engineering is not just a job; it’s an opportunity to make an impact on the world.
The company is famous for its rewarding work culture, making it a top employer among engineers globally. Google receives approximately three million applications a year. However, only about 0.2% of candidates make it through the company’s hiring process.
If you’ve cleared your phone screen round and Google has invited you for on-site interviews, you’re close to realizing your dream! If you’re preparing for a high-stakes interview, you can greatly benefit from seasoned hiring experts who have years of experience in hiring for FAANG companies.
If you want to get started with your interview prep and want to give it your best shot, register for Interview Kickstart’s FREE webinar. Experts will help you chart out the best interview prep plan for tech interviews at the biggest companies and practice mock interviews with you.
There are a few things you can do the night before your Google on-site coding interview to make sure you put your best foot forward at the interview — that’s precisely what we’ll cover in this article:
- 12 Ways to Prep Yourself the Night Before Your Google Interview
- Frequently Asked Questions about the Google Onsite Coding Interview
- Where to Prepare for Google Onsite Coding Interview
12 Ways to Prep Yourself the Night Before Your Google On-site Coding Interview
- Make a Checklist
Make a checklist of things to do and things you’ll need on the day of your interview. This will ensure you don’t miss out on important requirements. - Give Yourself a Pep Talk
Practice positive visualization. Imagine your ideal interview and visualize your success. This way, you can train your brain to focus on the positives and prevent spiraling into a loop of negative thoughts. - Review Your Problem-Solving Methodology
Reviewing your problem-solving process will be more beneficial than skimming through coding problems. For example, if you follow the Brainstorm → Write → Debug process often enough, you’ll be able to apply it to any coding problem.
Also read: How to Prepare for Google's Onsite Interview - Walk Through the Interview Day
Go through the likely events of the interview day and devise a suitable schedule. Plan your meals, so you aren’t hungry at the interview. You can also lay out your clothes for the interview and plan your commute to the interview site. For an online interview, ensure you have the right setup and environment to avoid potential disruptions. - Review Your Email Conversations
Review past email correspondence with the recruiters. Confirm details such as the person to contact and the time and location of the interview. Do some research on the people you’ll be meeting and find some common ground to strike up a conversation with them. - Ensure Your Resume Is Updated and at Hand
Go over the information on your resume. Keep printed copies at hand. Don’t assume the recruiters will have your resume during the interview. - Review Your Talking Points
Note critical aspects of your resume that you wish to highlight during the interview. Research company news and information, including the latest developments, products, and services. In addition to coding expertise, you’ll be assessed on your understanding of the company and its business. - Prepare Questions for the Interviewer
Prepare intelligent questions to ask your interviewers. These questions should reflect your interest in the prospective role. It should also show your interest in the company. Here are some examples of questions you can ask your interviewer:
1. What does a typical day at work look like?
2. What is the best thing about working here?
3. What are the qualities of your most successful employee?
4. What are the next steps in the hiring process? - Prepare for the Worst
Prepare for unexpected eventualities on the day of the interview — a change in weather, a flat tire, a roadblock. Instead of stressing over the “what-ifs,” plan proactively. For example, get to your interview earlier than scheduled or take a safe route. - Set Your Alarm
Nerves can prevent you from getting a good night’s sleep. Set your alarm to avoid oversleeping and rushing to your interview. You can also ask a family member or friend to give you a wake-up call. - Remember to Unwind
It’s only natural to feel a little stressed on the eve of the interview. The night before the interview, do something relaxing. You’ll perform your best if your mind is at ease. Relaxing will reduce stress and improve your brain function and memory. - Sleep
Don’t try to cram concepts and subject matter until the last minute. Have faith in yourself, knowing you’ll perform to the best of your ability. Sleep is essential to keep your mind fresh and to keep your energy levels up for the interview.
Google Onsite Coding Interview FAQs
Q. What is the best way to prepare for the Google on-site coding interview?
A. The Google on-site coding interview requires rigorous practice. You can start by visiting Google’s career page to understand the role requirements. You can also sign up for a technical interview preparation course to get expert guidance to get you through the entire interview process at Google.
Q. How many rounds make up the Google on-site interview?
A. The Google on-site interview consists of the following rounds of assessment:
- Coding Interview
- System Design Interview
- Domain-specific Interview
- Behavioral Interview
Each round will last for approximately 45-60 minutes.
Q. What topics should I prepare for the Google on-site coding interview?
A. The topics you need to prepare for Google’s on-site coding interview are:
- Programming Languages
- Data Structures: Arrays, Trees, Stacks, Recursion
- Algorithms: Binary Search, Insertion Sort, Bubble Sort, Selection Sort, Breadth-First Search
- Object-Oriented Design
- Operating Systems
- Distributed Computing
- Databases
- Web Security
How to Nail Google’s Onsite Coding Interview
If you want to nail that interview, join Interview Kickstart. We offer interview preparation courses taught by FAANG tech leads and experienced hiring managers. With such a cracking team of instructors, Interview Kickstart is a powerhouse of expert knowledge and guidance on cracking FAANG interviews. IK’s preparation strategy has helped thousands of software engineers and software developers to get their dream job.
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