Software Engineer Interview Experience - San Francisco, California
Process
I received a phone call from a Googler.
He asked me to introduce myself, followed by a coding problem, and finally, to ask my questions for him.
We shared a Google document. He first typed an algorithm question.
I coded the solution in Java. He then asked some follow-up questions.
Questions
Given a string, find the longest substring that has at most 2 distinct characters.
Follow-up: What is the worst case?
Follow-up: How to improve the code?
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Interview Statistics
The following metrics were computed from 142 interview experiences for the Google Software Engineer role in San Francisco, California.
Success Rate
Google's interview process for their Software Engineer roles in San Francisco, California is extremely selective, failing the vast majority of engineers.
Experience Rating
Candidates reported having very good feelings for Google's Software Engineer interview process in San Francisco, California.
Google Work Experiences
- 5.0Skills, Network, Intense FunSoftware Engineer • Former EmployeeSan Francisco, California, United StatesMarch 31, 2021Pros: Fantastic place to build new skills and network.Cons: Very intense workload, but fun projects.
- 5.0Great Platform, Long HoursSoftware Engineer • Former EmployeeSan Francisco, California, United StatesJuly 5, 2025Pros: Great benefits and a great platform for young people.Cons: Long work time, work-life balance.
- 5.0Good Pay, Boring WorkSoftware Engineer • Former EmployeeSan Francisco, California, United StatesSeptember 27, 2020Pros: Good pay, good benefits, good brand.Cons: Boring sometimes, company too big.
Google Interview Questions
