Googlers only want the best engineers. A tough, but positive interview experience.

The recruitment process is a bit on the slow side, though recruiters always kept me well-informed. I had two phone interviews before being asked to come to Google Los Angeles. The interviews consisted of the standard Google questions that are mentioned elsewhere on this website. I made a fundamental mistake on the first interview, but was able to send a correction via email. The interviewers really want to help you.

Before entering the building, applicants are required to sign a non-disclosure agreement. Even if I were to reveal what questions were asked, it wouldn't help. It's standard Computer Science algorithms and discrete math. You have to know your stuff and be able to explain yourself. Out of the six or so interviews, I totally botched one, becoming stuck. On another, I forgot an important conceptual detail. The rest went very well.

I received notification that I was not selected a few weeks later. The recruiters and staff are all very friendly. The engineers' reputation for being really smart is well-earned. The interviews are tough, and if I couldn't get in ---being one of the top students in my CS program--- then it must be true that only the best of the best get in. The Google office is amazing, as is to be expected. I had a very positive impression of Google and their recruitment process. I appreciated being placed in a nice hotel and having all travel expenses paid. It was nice to get a short trip to LA.

Anyone who is selected for an on-site interview already has a bright enough future so that she/he can find other offers of employment easily. From this website, it appears that most applicants who come on-site to interview do not get selected. However, anyone may apply again after six months. So if it is really important to work at Google, try, try again!