Google interview process

How Google hires

• Before in-depth interviews, candidates typically have one or two shorter recruiter conversations over phone or video that assess key skills for the role and share information about the organization and team. [Source]
• Depending on the type of role, Google may ask candidates to complete a small project before their interviews, ranging from preparing a case study to providing writing or code samples. [Source]
• The interview stage is a panel of interviews, held over video or in person with a rotating cast of Googlers, and there are no brain teasers. [Source]
• Google uses structured interviewing: every candidate is assessed using clear rubrics, and the same rubrics are used for everyone being considered for that role. [Source]
• Interviewers ask role-related, open-ended questions to learn how a candidate solves problems, how they interact with a team, and what their strengths are. [Source]
• AI tools are not permitted during Google interviews; candidates are expected to engage with the interviewer authentically. [Source]
• After the interviews, Google brings together the application and interview feedback and takes a number of perspectives into account to reach a hiring decision; the recruiter then extends the offer. [Source]
• Google says a broad, interdisciplinary background with a strong understanding of computer science is the key to any software engineering job at the company. [Source]

Facts verified 2026-09-03

Interview guides by role

• Google Software Engineer Interview Process