Google Interview Questions

Have you recently landed an interview for your dream job at Google?

Are you wondering what Google Interview Questions they will ask you?

In this article, I will take an in-depth look at the different questions Google hiring managers may ask and how you can respond to them. The company is a desirable place to work with its well-known employee perks and a higher than average wage. It is no wonder so many people are desperate for a job there.

Competition is extremely high…

Can you believe that the company receives around 3 million job applications every year? That is more applications than the population of Iowa! They only have a 0.2% acceptance rate, statistically speaking, you’d have more chance of getting into Standford University.

Now, don’t let that put you off. If you are qualified and have the experience for the job, apply!

The one thing you have to do, though is, nail the interview. Is it easy?

No. Does it take time and preparation?

Yes.

Why Work At Google?

Google was rated one of the top places to work in the USA by Forbes and Fortune 500. Many reasons come into play. The company allows for creativity. It is open to new ideas and wants people who think out of the box and challenge the norms.

The company’s lead hiring manager states they look for leadership skills and role-related knowledge. So keep this in mind when completing your application!

How To Prepare For Google Interview Questions?

First things first, please don’t underestimate the power of research! Research is key to starting the preparation for your Google job interview. I am sure you know that already.

You’ll have probably read some scary online stories about Google’s interview questions and even perhaps had a sneak peek at some of the now-banned questions. That’s right, Google banned interview questions, strange, right? Luckily enough for yourself, they have had plenty of experience creating new questions. Are they still challenging? Unfortunately, yes!

Research

Before you interview, make sure to research the company thoroughly. You want to know the basics. When was the company founded? Who is the CEO? What do they do? It would help if you also looked into its values and ethics and its culture. You can use this information to your advantage and drop some of it into your answers as long as it’s relevant.

Job Description

Review the job description not once, not twice, but multiple times to make sure you are familiar with the involved tasks. This is one of the simplest ways to get a general idea of the hiring manager’s questions. For example, “provide technical guidance to customers.” It would help if you prepared some instances in which you had done this before or gave an example that would fit the role you’ve applied for.

Social Media

Social media is a wonderful tool to get some extra insight into a company. They always share positive achievements and often anything new and upcoming. For example, if Google is launching a new product. You can look into the product, how it compares with their previous product, and what you think about it. This shows that you have made an effort to understand and research their new ideas.

Resume

If you have completed an online application and submitted your resume, make sure to print out some paper copies for yourself. You can look over your resume and make sure you are familiar with all the achievements you wrote and your experiences. The worst thing you can do is stumble on the information you provided in your resume. A resume should be completely honest anyway.

Interviewer

It’s not a bad idea to research your interviewer either. You can check them out on social media and LinkedIn. You may find you have some common interests or crossed paths in a previous role. It’s also a good way to find out about their demeanor.

Perhaps they are serious and look for a more professional take on an interview. Or maybe they are personable and looking for something more fun and energetic. You will also come to realize this at the interview, and you must pick up on their energy.

What do I wear to an Interview?

It’s not the most essential part, but first impressions do count. Make sure to look at the interview invitation. It may state if you have to dress in business attire or smart casual. Regardless, don’t turn up in jeans and a t-shirt. Take time to present yourself in a way where they’ll remember you, and for good reasons.

Top 4 Interview Questions

Now, remember, these will not apply to all roles. The company will not ask a digital design hopeful and a budding accountant the same questions. However, there are some general questions they may ask any potential employees.

Why Do You Want to Join Google?

Now not to state the obvious, but please do not reply with for the money. I mean, we all know the company pays very well but dive into a bit more here. You can bring up your research and talk about the company values if that appeals to you.

Perhaps the opportunity for creativity is another factor that you like. Also, you may mention that it is a reputable company with excellent growth opportunities. They want to know why you want to work there and why it is your dream job.

Example Answer:

“Since I began my studies, Google was always on my mind and a dream to get here one day. I love that the company allows you to explore your creativity and gives you options to pursue your ideas. Not only is the company one of the top places to work in the world, but it also has excellent employee satisfaction rates. With my skills as a team player and a confident personable individual, I could flourish in the environment Google offers.

I love the products you provide and the fast-paced changes constantly taking place throughout the company. I am the perfect asset to help with Google’s growth, and I would compliment the team with my innovative ideas.”

What is Your Favorite Google Product or Service? What Would You Do to Make It Better?

Again this is where your research comes into play! Make sure you are knowledgeable about all the products and services Google offers. You also want to look deeper into ones you could give as an example, and obviously, it’s easier to choose the one you are familiar with and like.

Example Answer:

“Most people probably go with YouTube here, but I have to go with Chrome. Chrome is a browser like no other; I used Internet Explorer through my teen years until Chrome became available in 2008. It is not surprising it’s the most popular web browser worldwide. It is not only simple and easy to use, but it allows several extensions and addons.

Hola a tremendous free VPN which I use when traveling abroad, allowing me to catch up on my favorite shows. I also use LastPass, which keeps all my passwords stored through Chrome. I relied on a fast browser in my previous job, which allowed me to open multiple tabs and various applications, and Chrome did just that.”

Tell me about yourself

Here it is time to sell yourself. Make sure to back up your information with examples. If you say you are creative, give an example where your creativity shined in the workplace.

Example Answer:

“I consider myself to be a driven and creative person. I love to think outside the box and develop new exciting concepts and am constantly thinking of ways I can improve myself and my work. For example, in my previous role, I created a website for a client. They wanted something easy to use but wanted the site to look quirky. I made a very user-friendly website that fits a particular niche.

The client was thrilled with the job and recommended me to friends and colleagues. I am also very punctual and loyal. I commit to the project and will finish it with the best standard. If you hire me at Google, I can assure you these qualities will shine in my work, and I will make customers very happy.”

How Do You Build Relationships With Clients Deemed ‘Difficult?’

This is tricky because they want to know how you will build a rapport with those with a reputation for being difficult or having a very high standard and demands.

Example Answer:

“First of all, I believe myself to be a very personable person. I love to meet new people, and I am a strong personality willing to win people over. Not only do I give my clients time to get to know me through business meetings, phone calls, and e-mails. They get to know the real easy-going, friendly person I am.

I am a good judge of character, and I can, so you say, read the room. I believe communication is key. If I have a problematic relationship with a client, I am willing to pull them aside and discuss it. I will find out what the client truly wants and ensure them I am capable of the job and excited to follow through. Although it is essential to keep a professional relationship with a client, I always find it helpful to find a common interest or stable ground.

I am also one for jotting down any information they have told me whether they are going on vacation or visiting family, and make sure to ask them about it at our next meeting. Ultimately I will build a strong relationship with them and ensure that all their needs are met. I will show compassion and interest in their ideas and assure them their business and relationship is highly important and valuable to the company.”

Other Google Interview Questions

Additional Interview Info And Advice

Congratulations on your interview! Let’s help you even more with our advice on answering What Are Your Career Goals, How Do You Handle Stress, or How Do You Handle Conflict, as well as my Strengths And Weaknesses For Job Interviews, Why We Should Hire You, and How To Answer What Are You Passionate About, to begin with.

But that’s not all! We’ve also done the research and found these great Google interview prep guides such as the Company and Position Specific Interview Prep: How You Too Can Get Job Offers from Google, or how about Are You Smart Enough to Work at Google?, and of course How To Get A Job At Google.

We also found the Job Interview Book: Guide On How To Land A Job At Google, Cracking the Tech Career: Insider Advice on Landing a Job at Google, and the Secrets of the Product Manager Interview: Former Google Interviewer Reveals How to Get Multiple Job Offers all available online in 2023.

Final Thoughts

Getting an interview with Google is an achievement in itself. It’s something the majority of people won’t range to achieve. So if you get the chance, prepare. You must take the time to research and practice mock interviews. It could be a make-or-break situation.

With so many great benefits, extremely high employee satisfaction rates, and an excellent reputation, you’d be silly to pass up on the chance. Put the work in, and hopefully, you can say ‘I work for Google’ one day.

All the very best with your Google Interview!