Recently made it into Google for a strategy and operations role. During my search I found it very hard to get information on how to prepare for these interviews. Tons of info on SDE interviews but barely anything on S&O. So thought I’ll start this thread to answer any questions folks may have. Started as Google Strategy and Operations person supporting the Ads business. Fire away! L5 TC: $255k YOE: 8 Edit: Just so folks know, Google doesn’t usually ask you to do math problems during cases. It’s mostly how you structure ambiguous situations. #strategy #caseinterview #google
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L4 Google -> 45 interviews, 5 offers, AMA
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Can you list the names/focus of your interview rounds? Was there technical or coding interviews?
No coding for strat and ops folks. Ours is mainly focused on behavioral (googleyness/leadership as well as role related knowledge questions) and case scenarios (how we will structure and approach a vague business problem)
Any tips from someone who is a customer engineer at GCP currently doing an MBA to get into that area? Thank you.
Network! That alone can open a lot of doors. Plus you are already in GCP so I am guessing internal transfers will be easier than external hires. Also, in terms of building the skills, practice cases - look at victor Cheng’s videos on YouTube and can go through the case in point book to get a handle on how to structure business situations. Plus download the Alphabet 10k and understand really well how Google makes money. That will help.
Great thank you. ! How would you rate working in your dept. and what do you see as future career path?
How many rounds of interviews did you have to get through ? Is it multiple case interviews ? Or just 1 case followed by team fit etc
Had 1 Hiring manager round which was mostly about my experience. Then 2 more - one for leadership/googleyness, 1 - case. And then another round with a stakeholder focused on fit for the particular role.
Was the case a generic one or related to hypothetical or actual google product/ business decision
Does this team hire Interns? I'd love to transition from consulting into this
I have no idea. Am guessing internships would be handled by a central university recruiting team. Or at least most companies that I’ve seen have this set up.
Did the recruiter reach out or did you apply? I have applied to similar roles in the past but haven’t heard back ever from them
Same. I have been referred multiple times with zero response. This was also a referral but I think my resume aligned with the role. All I can say is stars aligned on this one. But have been trying for 1.5-2 years to get even a recruiter call.
Can you elaborate on how your resume aligned with the role? Their JDs are so generic. Never received a response ever here as well.
Do you know if strategy consulting experience is required or are there team members with only corporate experience
All my team members (including me) have strategy consulting experience. However, not sure of other strat & ops teams. There are hundreds within google ( or at least that’s the impression I get). I would have to believe that if you can show the right experiences and skill sets they’ll consider you
Congratulations on the offer! What exactly does your role involve ? I've heard of similar roles in LinkedIn etc but don't have a very good idea of the specifics
Thank you! Strat and ops is one of those roles that can vary greatly from company to company. My role will be a good mix of strategy - setting long term strategy, thought leadership, data- driven recommendations. Plus a fair bit of ops - driving business reviews etc.
How is your TC broken out and what was the negotiation process?
TC is right in the middle of L5 Comp for non-tech. Breakdown would probably out me but expect a base in the range of 160-175k + bonus 15% for L5 + equity. Negotiation wise there wasn’t much - I didn’t have a competing offer so recruiter increased total Comp by 10k ish from the original offer, that is it. Have heard that even with competing offers, they don’t budge much.
Congrats on your new role! Just curious since I have a somewhat similar background (big 4 consulting before moving to industry) and YOE to you: which group at EY were you in? Can also message you
Hey you said you worked Big 4 and went into industry I'm a student trying to do the same any way I could DM you?
LGFUAD - it’s been a while since I was at EY. Then moved on to industry (tech). I was in EYP.
What was your favourite interview question throughout the process?
No question in particular. But I liked how the interviewers had a vibrant back-forth on the scenarios and how I’d approach things. Pushed me to think through the details and I enjoyed it a lot.