I applied through a recruiter. The process took 3 weeks. I interviewed at Google (Mountain View, CA) in Mar 2015
Interview
Head hunted by Google. I had to two phone interviews, one by HR and then a second by a product manager. Passed both, so invited to Mountain View for several hours of interviews. Second interview and onsite interviews were almost all the same as detailed by others on Glassdoor, so I am not going to repeat it. I did not get an offers--HR person that contacted me said the software development manager that interviewed me did not find me technical enough. I was a software engineer for 15 years before going into product management, so to get a thumbs up from their product manager and a thumbs down from the software development manager was exactly the opposite of what I expected.
Interview questions [1]
Question 1
How would you optimize an algorithm to ensure that no duplicate data was being stored on Google servers?
Recruiter Screen (30–45 min)
Discuss background, product experience, and interest in Google
Hiring Manager Screen (45–60 min)
Behavioral + product strategy, leadership, prioritization
Technical/Analytical Screen (45–60 min)
Problem-solving, data analysis, metrics, A/B testing
On-Site / Virtual Interviews
Product design & strategy
Execution & technical tradeoffs
Leadership & influence
Googleyness / behavioral
Hiring Committee & Team Match
Feedback review, team fit, final approval
Interview questions [1]
Question 1
Google Search is seeing a decline in engagement among teenagers. How would you identify the root cause and propose a strategy to improve usage in this segment?
I applied through an employee referral. I interviewed at Google (New York, NY) in Sep 2025
Interview
Very straight forward process though I only went through with two interviews. Phone screening with talent director followed by team leads. Withdrew from process due to the role being on-site 5 days a week.
Very difficult interview loop. Lots of trick questions and brainteaser problems. Even with studying a ton in the leadup I still struggled and ultimately did not receive an offer. Interview process is still similar to what any guide online describes.
Interview questions [1]
Question 1
Estimation question about computing revenue for a product line given 0 details
