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Discussion on: Interviewing at Google? Here’s 6 Things You Absolutely Need To Do

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anthonydmays profile image
Anthony D. Mays • Edited

Thanks for the feedback, Peter. I agree that a job interview should not be a terrifying experience for anyone. It also makes sense that, if you want to see people working at their best, that they should be assessed in an environment where they are psychologically safe.

Speaking for myself, I disagree with the premise that the Google interview is inherently a terrifying experience. Google trains interviewers on how to properly conduct interviews to ensure that the experience is as positive as can be for interviewees, and interviewees are given the chance to provide feedback on the process to help ensure that things are done fairly and equitably. Interviews in generally can be a stressful experience by nature, especially if you are not well prepared. That's why Google provides prep materials and other resources like techdevguide.withgoogle.com to help people hone their skills.

I recognize that Google's hiring methodology may not work well for other companies depending on their needs. Ultimately, I see the Google interview testing the same problem solving and communication skills that I use with other Google engineers nearly every day. It is rigorous and challenging, but so is the job.

PS: Google stopped using brainteasers years ago. I made the mistake of believing they still relied on brainteasers in 2011 and failed to prepare properly as a result. Unfortunately, this myth continues to persist despite the reality.

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cheetah100 profile image
Peter Harrison

Good to hear they stopped the brain teasers. A few years ago I had a developer tell me they had actually interviewed with me previously and failed. It seemed my own interview method resulted in a good candidate being excluded.

Developers tend to invest in their own intellect and ego, and so we must guard against an unintentional approach which signals the superiority of the interviewer over applicant.

I sincerely hope Google or others are not quite as intimidating as it appeared to be described.

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anthonydmays profile image
Anthony D. Mays

Here, here. Even after I failed the interview in 2011, I still enjoyed the process and became a better engineer as a result. Of course, Google has some jerks same as any other company, but they are definitely the exception and not the norm.

I love the people I work with at Google, and that's easily the best part about working there. A non-trivial number of us either have struggled or continue to battle with imposter syndrome actually!