Google Interview Questions

Review this list of 843 Google interview questions and answers verified by hiring managers and candidates.
  • Google logoAsked at Google 
    Video answer for 'What's your favorite product and why?'
    +257

    "Clarify "What do you mean by favorite product? Are you thinking specifically hardware, software, or a feature within those, or something non-electronic? Dealer's Choice. "Are you asking why I love this product, or to explain why this product is a market leader independent of how i feel about it? Talk about why YOU love this product. Rephrase Question With all that in mind, i want to rephrase the question. "What is your favorite software product and what features in this product"

    Tim W. - "Clarify "What do you mean by favorite product? Are you thinking specifically hardware, software, or a feature within those, or something non-electronic? Dealer's Choice. "Are you asking why I love this product, or to explain why this product is a market leader independent of how i feel about it? Talk about why YOU love this product. Rephrase Question With all that in mind, i want to rephrase the question. "What is your favorite software product and what features in this product"See full answer

    Product Manager
    Product Design
    +2 more
  • Google logoAsked at Google 
    +24

    "Clarifications: Which aspect of birthday are we thinking about designing a product for? Birthday reminder, birthday planning, event management or birthday wishing?- People are generally reminded of their birthdays by their friends/family, social media, their own self awareness, so its not a critical problem to solve Social apps like FB have birthday wishing features for the larger audience & for wishing friends/family, people would generally call or wish in person Manag"

    Debajyoti B. - "Clarifications: Which aspect of birthday are we thinking about designing a product for? Birthday reminder, birthday planning, event management or birthday wishing?- People are generally reminded of their birthdays by their friends/family, social media, their own self awareness, so its not a critical problem to solve Social apps like FB have birthday wishing features for the larger audience & for wishing friends/family, people would generally call or wish in person Manag"See full answer

    Product Manager
    Product Design
  • Google logoAsked at Google 

    "Machine learning software engineer interviews at Google are really challenging. The questions are difficult, specific to Google, and they cover a wide range of topics."

    Million D. - "Machine learning software engineer interviews at Google are really challenging. The questions are difficult, specific to Google, and they cover a wide range of topics."See full answer

    Machine Learning Engineer
    System Design
  • Google logoAsked at Google 
    +79

    "My approach to dealing with difficult stakeholders has always been: Engage - Directly engage with the stakeholder, meet or chat Listen - Listen to what they have to say, patiently. Understand - Understand their POV, even if it is impossible at some times Ask - Ask clarifying questions. Why? When? What? Engage again - Keep them in the loop until there is closure For example, we were in the final stages of a very important, strategic project for our organization. I was leading th"

    Jane D. - "My approach to dealing with difficult stakeholders has always been: Engage - Directly engage with the stakeholder, meet or chat Listen - Listen to what they have to say, patiently. Understand - Understand their POV, even if it is impossible at some times Ask - Ask clarifying questions. Why? When? What? Engage again - Keep them in the loop until there is closure For example, we were in the final stages of a very important, strategic project for our organization. I was leading th"See full answer

    Product Manager
    Behavioral
    +8 more
  • +10

    "First, I’d want to clarify what’s driving the lack of adoption. I’d ask:What does “unclear roadmap” mean? Is this an internal issue where we’re not addressing customer pain points, or is it a matter of customers not understanding how to use the product? Is this feedback coming from all enterprise customers across verticals, or is it isolated to a specific group? How long has this been going on? Has it been over a quarter? Assuming this is a widespread issue impacting all customers"

    Noe L. - "First, I’d want to clarify what’s driving the lack of adoption. I’d ask:What does “unclear roadmap” mean? Is this an internal issue where we’re not addressing customer pain points, or is it a matter of customers not understanding how to use the product? Is this feedback coming from all enterprise customers across verticals, or is it isolated to a specific group? How long has this been going on? Has it been over a quarter? Assuming this is a widespread issue impacting all customers"See full answer

    Product Manager
    Execution
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  • Google logoAsked at Google 
    +7

    "So here is what I would do if I had to designing a system to log messages in order involves several considerations, including the choice of software, hardware, storage mechanisms, and scalability. Here’s how I would approach this: 1. Requirements Analysis: Message Format: Define the structure of the messages to log (e.g., text, JSON). Volume: Estimate the expected volume of messages per second. This will help in determining the infrastructure requirements. **Order Guarantee"

    Theodore (teddy) W. - "So here is what I would do if I had to designing a system to log messages in order involves several considerations, including the choice of software, hardware, storage mechanisms, and scalability. Here’s how I would approach this: 1. Requirements Analysis: Message Format: Define the structure of the messages to log (e.g., text, JSON). Volume: Estimate the expected volume of messages per second. This will help in determining the infrastructure requirements. **Order Guarantee"See full answer

    Software Engineer
    System Design
  • +36

    "Before we can delve into opportunities to increase revenue and create a roadmap for next 5 years, let's look at Spotify's Vision and Mission Statement Who are the key stakeholders currently in spotify's ecosystem and how does spotify make revenue What are some of the key market trends that impact the stakeholders in the spotify's ecosystem Spotify's Vision and Mission Statement Mission: Our mission is to unlock the potential of human creativity Vision: Spotify's vision is to be"

    Rushab S. - "Before we can delve into opportunities to increase revenue and create a roadmap for next 5 years, let's look at Spotify's Vision and Mission Statement Who are the key stakeholders currently in spotify's ecosystem and how does spotify make revenue What are some of the key market trends that impact the stakeholders in the spotify's ecosystem Spotify's Vision and Mission Statement Mission: Our mission is to unlock the potential of human creativity Vision: Spotify's vision is to be"See full answer

    Product Manager
    Product Strategy
  • Google logoAsked at Google 
    Video answer for 'Tell me about a time you made a mistake.'
    +87

    "Let me tell you about a time where a website I managed suddenly showed slow performance and the mistake on our side was it was unnoticed until a user reported the issue to management. As a PM for that project, I took full responsibility of the situation and worked with the engineering team to quickly resolve it. This mistake taught me the importance of focusing and monitoring non functional requirements as well in addition to new feature development /adoption where I was mostly spending my time"

    Sreenisha S. - "Let me tell you about a time where a website I managed suddenly showed slow performance and the mistake on our side was it was unnoticed until a user reported the issue to management. As a PM for that project, I took full responsibility of the situation and worked with the engineering team to quickly resolve it. This mistake taught me the importance of focusing and monitoring non functional requirements as well in addition to new feature development /adoption where I was mostly spending my time"See full answer

    Software Engineer
    Behavioral
    +6 more
  • Google logoAsked at Google 
    +27

    "Design a washing machine for Google Step 1: Building Context through clarifying questions Are we looking at building a complete washing machine(new line of business) or a connected app for washing machine like Android Auto? Any specific geography to look for Goal? Increase usage of any specific google product or introduce smart white goods hardware Step 2: Target users Individuals Single Family Couple Hotels Students Laundromats **Apartments/Studen"

    Anonymous Flamingo - "Design a washing machine for Google Step 1: Building Context through clarifying questions Are we looking at building a complete washing machine(new line of business) or a connected app for washing machine like Android Auto? Any specific geography to look for Goal? Increase usage of any specific google product or introduce smart white goods hardware Step 2: Target users Individuals Single Family Couple Hotels Students Laundromats **Apartments/Studen"See full answer

    Product Manager
    Product Design
  • +13

    "Clarifying Travellers in this context are people who are taking domestic or international flights. Answer: Correct. Are we designing to integrate into an existing product line or completely standalone? Answer: Integrate into existing products. Are we designing for a specific geography? Answer: Let’s try North America first; we can expand later. Company Mission Organize the world’s information and make it universally accessible and useful. Company Strategy "

    Darpan D. - "Clarifying Travellers in this context are people who are taking domestic or international flights. Answer: Correct. Are we designing to integrate into an existing product line or completely standalone? Answer: Integrate into existing products. Are we designing for a specific geography? Answer: Let’s try North America first; we can expand later. Company Mission Organize the world’s information and make it universally accessible and useful. Company Strategy "See full answer

    Product Manager
    Product Design
    +1 more
  • Google logoAsked at Google 
    +28

    "DoorDash - An online Food Ordering and Food Delivery Company. What is the Goal of the DoorDash? The goal is to empower local business and connect to the users. Who are the the different stakeholders involved to achieve this Goal for DoorDash? Users Restaurant Partners Delivery Partners What they need to do to achieve this goal? More users have to come on the platform for ordering Restaurants has to fulfil the requirement of maximum number of Users Delivery part"

    Anonymous Muskox - "DoorDash - An online Food Ordering and Food Delivery Company. What is the Goal of the DoorDash? The goal is to empower local business and connect to the users. Who are the the different stakeholders involved to achieve this Goal for DoorDash? Users Restaurant Partners Delivery Partners What they need to do to achieve this goal? More users have to come on the platform for ordering Restaurants has to fulfil the requirement of maximum number of Users Delivery part"See full answer

    Product Manager
    Analytical
  • Google logoAsked at Google 
    +24

    "Clarify: A new company that is coming up with a solution for garage door openers The door opener will be installed in houses. Confirm if offices, service centers etc are in the scope At this point, we are looking a specific demographic/market - India Users: People who own a car and a personal parking space. The distinction here : They have hired a watchman for the house They didnt hire a watch for the house For this problem, I will focus on those people who didnt hire a watchman"

    Sahil A. - "Clarify: A new company that is coming up with a solution for garage door openers The door opener will be installed in houses. Confirm if offices, service centers etc are in the scope At this point, we are looking a specific demographic/market - India Users: People who own a car and a personal parking space. The distinction here : They have hired a watchman for the house They didnt hire a watch for the house For this problem, I will focus on those people who didnt hire a watchman"See full answer

    Product Manager
    Product Design
  • +23

    "To convince leadership at Google to build a wristwatch for the elderly, it's crucial to present a compelling argument that encompasses user needs, market potential, and Google's strategic alignment. Here's a detailed proposal: 1. Understanding the User Needs Target Audience Primary Users: Elderly individuals, especially those with health conditions requiring monitoring and those living independently. Secondary Users: Family members and caregivers. **Pain Points"

    Gaurav M. - "To convince leadership at Google to build a wristwatch for the elderly, it's crucial to present a compelling argument that encompasses user needs, market potential, and Google's strategic alignment. Here's a detailed proposal: 1. Understanding the User Needs Target Audience Primary Users: Elderly individuals, especially those with health conditions requiring monitoring and those living independently. Secondary Users: Family members and caregivers. **Pain Points"See full answer

    Product Manager
    Product Strategy
  • Google logoAsked at Google 
    +60

    "I most want to communicate a few principals of conflict resolution that I believe were integral in this situation, which are mutual respect, a results orientation, an unwavering focus on the user. To that end, here’s how I’d like to structure this answer: First, I’ll tell you about the project we were working on, to provide some background for you. Second, I’ll describe the disagreement. Third, I’ll describe how we arrived at a solution, and finally, I’ll discuss how those 3 conflict resolut"

    Ross B. - "I most want to communicate a few principals of conflict resolution that I believe were integral in this situation, which are mutual respect, a results orientation, an unwavering focus on the user. To that end, here’s how I’d like to structure this answer: First, I’ll tell you about the project we were working on, to provide some background for you. Second, I’ll describe the disagreement. Third, I’ll describe how we arrived at a solution, and finally, I’ll discuss how those 3 conflict resolut"See full answer

    Software Engineer
    Behavioral
    +5 more
  • Google logoAsked at Google 
    Video answer for 'Edit distance'
    +16

    "from collections import deque def updateword(words, startword, end_word): if end_word not in words: return None # Early exit if end_word is not in the dictionary queue = deque([(start_word, 0)]) # (word, steps) visited = set([start_word]) # Keep track of visited words while queue: word, steps = queue.popleft() if word == end_word: return steps # Found the target word, return steps for i in range(len(word)): "

    叶 路. - "from collections import deque def updateword(words, startword, end_word): if end_word not in words: return None # Early exit if end_word is not in the dictionary queue = deque([(start_word, 0)]) # (word, steps) visited = set([start_word]) # Keep track of visited words while queue: word, steps = queue.popleft() if word == end_word: return steps # Found the target word, return steps for i in range(len(word)): "See full answer

    Software Engineer
    Data Structures & Algorithms
    +3 more
  • Google logoAsked at Google 
    +14

    "Okay, so before we start discussing how to design this platform, I have a few questions I need details on. Clarification Questions: What do you mean by "Podcasting Platform"? Producing a platform and releasing it online takes several steps (Ideation, scripting, equipment selection, recording, editing, choosing a platform to release, etc.). Are we looking at any specific step here? - Free to Assume Am I PM at Google designing a Podcast Platform as a tool inside existing Google Pro"

    Pranay N. - "Okay, so before we start discussing how to design this platform, I have a few questions I need details on. Clarification Questions: What do you mean by "Podcasting Platform"? Producing a platform and releasing it online takes several steps (Ideation, scripting, equipment selection, recording, editing, choosing a platform to release, etc.). Are we looking at any specific step here? - Free to Assume Am I PM at Google designing a Podcast Platform as a tool inside existing Google Pro"See full answer

    Product Manager
    Product Design
    +1 more
  • "Sales Performance Dashboard t for sales leaders to monitor product performance: Sales Performance Dashboard Top-Level Metrics (KPI Summary) Time Filter: [Day] [Week] [Month] [Quarter] [Custom Range] Total Sales Revenue Displays total revenue for the selected period. Units Sold Breakdown by product category and SKU. Average Deal Size Total revenue ÷ Number of deals closed. Conversion Rate _Leads to sales conversion ratio."

    Syed A. - "Sales Performance Dashboard t for sales leaders to monitor product performance: Sales Performance Dashboard Top-Level Metrics (KPI Summary) Time Filter: [Day] [Week] [Month] [Quarter] [Custom Range] Total Sales Revenue Displays total revenue for the selected period. Units Sold Breakdown by product category and SKU. Average Deal Size Total revenue ÷ Number of deals closed. Conversion Rate _Leads to sales conversion ratio."See full answer

    Product Manager
    Product Design
    +1 more
  • +92

    "Clarification Define rush hour? hours leading up to the work day 8-10am and after the work day 5-7pm Are we focused on specific types of drivers? American commuters. Private drivers going to and from work What is Google's goal? Increase engagement with google services Roadmap for interviewer: User--> Pain Points-->Solution--> Vision-->Features-->Tradeoffs User American commuters. Private drivers going to and from work Can't be too distracted even durin"

    Kwabena B. - "Clarification Define rush hour? hours leading up to the work day 8-10am and after the work day 5-7pm Are we focused on specific types of drivers? American commuters. Private drivers going to and from work What is Google's goal? Increase engagement with google services Roadmap for interviewer: User--> Pain Points-->Solution--> Vision-->Features-->Tradeoffs User American commuters. Private drivers going to and from work Can't be too distracted even durin"See full answer

    Product Design
  • "Max distance can be between cat to rat or cat to bread. lets say it is x. I tried to find a path between rat and bread using DFS for every distance from cat(max upto x)."

    Pankaj G. - "Max distance can be between cat to rat or cat to bread. lets say it is x. I tried to find a path between rat and bread using DFS for every distance from cat(max upto x)."See full answer

    Software Engineer
    Coding
    +1 more
  • +27

    "Observation This is an interesting question. The solution has two heads, meaning that the user must feel less guilty AND the solution must also increase revenue towards the platform. Structure The way I would approach this involves splitting the question into sequential steps. Why are users feeling guilty about using Instagram? What are some ways to make them feel less guilty? How can we monetize this? Clarification How do we define guilt? Is there a relevant subsector of"

    Justin G. - "Observation This is an interesting question. The solution has two heads, meaning that the user must feel less guilty AND the solution must also increase revenue towards the platform. Structure The way I would approach this involves splitting the question into sequential steps. Why are users feeling guilty about using Instagram? What are some ways to make them feel less guilty? How can we monetize this? Clarification How do we define guilt? Is there a relevant subsector of"See full answer

    Product Manager
    Product Strategy
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