If you’re preparing for the Google first interview, you probably have a lot of questions. What will they ask? How should you prepare? And, most importantly, how can you pass?
Let’s break it all down.
The Format: What Happens in Google First Interview?
Your first technical interview at Google is usually a 45-minute virtual interview with a Google engineer. Here’s what to expect:
- Conducted over Google Meet with a shared Google Doc (no fancy IDEs—just plain text).
- Expect one or two coding problems, typically at Leetcode Medium difficulty.
- You’re evaluated on problem-solving skills, code efficiency, and communication.
- It’s all about coding—there’s no behavioral section in this round.
The Coding Questions: What Will You Be Asked?
The Google first interview focuses on fundamental concepts in coding and algorithms. Here’s what you should prepare for:
- Data Structures – Arrays, Hash Maps, Trees, Linked Lists, Graphs.
- Algorithms – Sorting, Recursion, Dynamic Programming, BFS/DFS.
- Edge Cases – Your code should handle edge cases like empty inputs and large data sets.
- Time and Space Complexity – Optimizing your solution is key.
The Best Approach: How to Solve Problems Effectively
Solving problems isn’t just about getting the right answer. It’s about how you get there. Follow these steps:
- Clarify the problem – Ask questions before jumping into coding.
- Think out loud – Google values communication as much as correctness.
- Start with a brute-force approach – Then optimize.
- Write clean code – Readability matters.
- Test with edge cases – Validate your solution before you finish.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Even strong candidates make mistakes. Here are some pitfalls to watch out for:
- Not asking clarifying questions – Misunderstanding the problem wastes time.
- Ignoring edge cases – Always test for different inputs.
- Writing inefficient code – A correct but slow solution won’t impress.
- Staying silent – Interviewers want to hear your thought process.
Soft Skills Matter Too
While this is a technical interview, your soft skills still play a role. Interviewers assess how well you:
- Communicate clearly – Walk them through your thought process.
- Handle pressure – Stay calm and structured even when stuck.
- Accept feedback – If they hint at a better approach, take it.
The Importance of Code Readability
Google values clean, maintainable code. Writing readable code can set you apart from other candidates. Keep these best practices in mind:
- Use meaningful variable names – Avoid generic names like temp or x.
- Keep functions short – Break large problems into smaller, reusable functions.
- Comment where necessary – A well-placed comment can make your intent clear.
- Follow consistent indentation and formatting – Neat code is easier to debug.
How to Prepare Efficiently
Preparation is key to acing the Google first interview. Here’s how to do it efficiently:
- Practice coding in a plain text editor – Get used to coding without syntax highlighting.
- Solve problems under time constraints – Set a timer for 45 minutes to simulate real conditions.
- Use mock interviews – Platforms like Pramp and Interviewing.io offer great practice.
- Review Google’s favorite topics – Focus on recursion, dynamic programming, and graph traversal.
What Happens Next?
If you perform well, you’ll move on to the technical phone interviews or an onsite loop (depending on the role). If you don’t make it, you can reapply in six months with more preparation.
Final Thoughts
The Google first interview is challenging, but it’s manageable with the right preparation. Focus on problem-solving, communication, and clean coding. And remember—stay calm, think out loud, and always test your solutions.
Got an upcoming Google interview? How are you preparing? Let’s discuss in the comments!
