Ask me anything about Google’s interview life-cycle, work and culture.

Google
ama_google

Go to company page Google

ama_google
Apr 23, 2020 925 Comments

15+ years of engineering and leadership experience in the industry, most recently at Google across multiple teams. I have domain expertise in machine learning and large scale distributed systems applied to ranking and personalization problems. During this AMA, I can help shed light on the life-cycle of your interview process, career advice, resume reviews and any other relevant questions you may have including things like engineering culture, leadership, etc. I can also answer questions around cost of living, compensation, and negotiation.

Since this is an AMA, I will be answering in generalities so that it’s broadly applicable to the audience here. If you’d like personalized advice, resume reviews or feedback, I’d suggest you check out Rooftop Slushie. I’ve had a rewarding experience so far on that site helping out people in various stages of their careers so far. You can either ask the question broadly to the group there - tag the relevant companies you are seeking advice on, or ask me directly via my profile ( https://www.rooftopslushie.com/profile/stiXfWhJvKky . You might need to create an account to login, but the access to the existing answers is free to view).

Note that the answers here represent my own individual opinions, and should not be interpreted as official communication on behalf of any company.

#tech #career #ama

For the TC or GTFO crowd: 650k (quite dependent on the stock price, so I've put in a round number here)

Edit: Checking out now. Thank you everyone for participating. Lots of great questions.

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TOP 925 Comments
  • Amazon
    sagemode

    Go to company page Amazon

    sagemode
    What is the difference between interview expectations for L3 and L4 SWE ?
    Apr 23, 2020 11
    • Rubrik
      beeko

      Go to company page Rubrik

      beeko
      @meme1 nope, you don’t need system design for L4. There’s a separate L3/L4 interview track which has no sys design, and L4/L5 track which does.
      Apr 23, 2020
    • Google
      ama_google

      Go to company page Google

      ama_google
      OP
      There are many duplicate questions on this thread on the same topic L3 vs L4. To those searching: I've replied in this reply-thread above. Please look there for details.
      Apr 23, 2020
  • What are your thoughts on Google vs Facebook? What are the pros and cons of each in your opinion?
    Apr 23, 2020 5
    • Google
      lurkersdc

      Go to company page Google

      lurkersdc
      @Lifesad

      No. It probably won't be permanent. Let's just say hypothetically that attrition is 10%. If Google has 120,000 employees, they need to hire 12,000 people per year just to stay headcount neutral.

      I've heard some execs say that one of their biggest regrets during the previous recession is not continuing to aggressively hire quality candidates. I know that there's some doublespeak considering they leaked a hiring freeze, but I have a hard time believing that the thousands of recruiters on payroll at Google aren't still pursuing top-tier talent and using the contracted job market to be choosier about who they hire for their most important projects.
      Apr 27, 2020
    • Google
      oddity

      Go to company page Google

      oddity
      ^ attrition rate will drop heavily during a recession. So, no.
      Apr 27, 2020
  • Intel
    SUwk44

    Go to company page Intel

    SUwk44
    Don’t take this the wrong way, I am just curious about the rationale behing it:
    I know a guy who worked at Google (at a site in Europe). He got past the hard interview with all the fancy algorithms and data structures. Turns out according to him the job was 90% writing scripting code which according to him was almost brainless (no fancy algorithm design or creativity) and did mot really require the skills tested for in the interview. While I take this with a grain of salt, I am pretty sure there are jobs at Google that just require basic coding that 70% of developers can do, yet they insist on a hiring process that only allows the top 10% through. Sure, pay is good and benefits are good but what is the reason they hire overqualified people for these positions? These people may end up losing their motivation even with all the perks.
    Apr 24, 2020 17
    • New
      JsIA31t

      New

      JsIA31t
      Amazon, I've read CTCI and EPI and then in a month and a week I did 230 LC (mostly easy and medium). When I've changed my mind about moving to the US (chose Canada), I've just stopped doing those. I've read and seen tons of interviews of Amazon engs and I know what I did with LC (and how fast) is a way better result than most of Amazon engs have.

      I'm also top 1 in my stack on SO (500-700 overall among 12 mil), top 1 guy on Upwork in my stack, have a 4k GitHub account and read dozens of programming books. I can tell that LC was the easiest of all those things.

      So, don't tell me I'm whining just because I'm not in FAANG. I've earned $120k after taxes last year and I live in a shithole country (my brand new apartments are $20k). 98% of Amazon engs couldn't do that. An average salary of eng compared to FAANG is $24k in the capital and $14k in my city (after taxes).
      May 17, 2020
    • Amazon
      aiminghire

      Go to company page Amazon

      aiminghire
      Cool
      May 19, 2020
  • How has the interview process changed during COVID-19?
    Apr 23, 2020 4
    • Google
      ama_google

      Go to company page Google

      ama_google
      OP
      Please don't spread panic. Offers haven't been rescinded - summer internships have been affected and full-time roles joining dates have been re-scheduled.
      Apr 23, 2020
    • IEEE
      Zapata57

      IEEE

      Zapata57
      @Google - what about non-tech roles? Was interested in a logistics program mgr role based in the EU but not sure if my application would even be entertained?
      Apr 23, 2020
  • Any thoughts on transitioning to SWE at FAANG after age 30? Is it possible? Have you ever met a new L3 over 30? Currently self taught python guy, mechanical engineer.
    Apr 23, 2020 9
    • Amazon
      gYLH88

      Go to company page Amazon

      gYLH88
      Your friend should get some perspective. We all have different lives and different backgrounds. If he thinks he is a failure working as an L5 engineer at FAANG, earning better than 90% of the population, having a job he genuinely enjoys and wanted, then that is messed up. I’m sure many would kill for such a job even at 60 years old! Life is not some sprint that you compare to others. It’s your own marathon. :)
      Apr 24, 2020
    • Google
      lurkersdc

      Go to company page Google

      lurkersdc
      I know someone who was previously in HR and made a career change to SWE at Google and has even been promoted since then. Don't let anyone discourage you. You can do it if you work hard.
      Apr 27, 2020