Coding Prep for Google

EMC / Eng
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Go to company page EMC Eng

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Nov 7, 2019 23 Comments

Currently I am prepping targeting Google in mind. Focused on improving my problem solving skills through leetcode. Currently
I am targeting to solve medium LC in 30 mins. Are there any other areas I need to work on? I have come across a couple of posts where they mention to work on Math/statistics? Is that true? If so. Are there any guidelines/topics I need to cover?

YOE: 2
Tc: $120k

TIA

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TOP 23 Comments
  • Google
    Mauv02

    Go to company page Google

    Mauv02
    I wouldn’t worry too much about stuff like LC. You need:
    - A solid understanding of your chosen language, including string APIs.
    - Basic data structures, trees, arrays, sets and hash tables. Understand the complexity for each (I think it is useful to understand the implementation for hash tables and dictionaries but it isn’t really necessary).
    - Be able to break down a problem quickly and verbalize a solution. You need to do this before you start coding because not understanding the problem is a sure way to tank an interview.
    - Be able to code without an IDE, either on the whiteboard or a basic text field. Code should look like it would compile.
    - Be able to talk through a solution to ensure it works.
    - Understand how you can do basic optimizations, typically using some sort of cache (dictionary/map table) to avoid repeated computation.
    - Basic O(n) stuff.
    - Understand that you really only have about 30 minutes of coding time. Questions are designed to reflect this. So should your answers.
    - For more specialized areas, you need some domain knowledge.

    The interview process is not that hard, candidates fail for a variety of reasons, but I never think it is due to insufficient LC. Having practice on a variety of problems may help but if you focus too much on that you are missing a lot of key skills.
    Nov 7, 2019 4
    • Google
      Mauv02

      Go to company page Google

      Mauv02
      There is very little that is always true in these processes. But I can tell you if you make fundamental coding mistakes like multiple obvious syntax errors, or can’t do basic recursion (in a problem that requires it) there is little chance of getting hired. If you have a good thought process, implement something that works but is not optimal that is almost certainly enough to get you through, especially if your other interviews are strong.
      Nov 7, 2019
    • Walmart
      rand.randm

      Go to company page Walmart

      rand.randm
      I totally agree, I am just saying the question that was asked had a trick and I was pushed to come up with that on the spot. Obviously , that’s the only data point I have. BTW , I was not rejected.
      Nov 8, 2019
  • Just do a lot of leetcode.
    Important : Don't try to view the solution unless u try a lot and absolutely give up.
    Nov 7, 2019 4
    • If u simply view the solution without much trying, it's as good as never solving the problem. I guarantee u, u never remember it after some time.

      But if u stretch your mind to think, that will create a wiring on your brain to think, which helps in interview if u see an unknown problem
      Nov 7, 2019
    • If you can’t solve it again after spaced repetition, it’s either one or two things. One, it’s because you’re trying to memorize it rather than understand. Or two, it’s a bad question that requires a “trick” to be solved.
      Nov 7, 2019
  • Infosys / Eng
    BRY47

    Go to company page Infosys Eng

    BRY47
    Yes, you can get asked math and statistics questions. Basic counting probability should suffice, but unless you review it, it can be hard to remember on the spot. Also, you need to target LC Medium at 20 mins to be competitive.
    Nov 7, 2019 2
    • EMC / Eng
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      OP
      Is there any book I could follow?
      Nov 7, 2019
    • Infosys / Eng
      BRY47

      Go to company page Infosys Eng

      BRY47
      Elements of programming interviews does a great job explaining how you would approach each problem if you were given that problem in an actual interview.

      Skienna Algo design manual is great for general concepts in algorithm design.

      For the probability questions, if you took a discrete math course in college, reviewing that material would be helpful cause you’ve already used it before.
      Nov 7, 2019
  • EMC / Eng
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    Go to company page EMC Eng

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    OP
    Yes, I currently spend max 2 hours on a question and try to solve for few working test cases if not 100% through LC. I am currently solving the top liked/top interview questions to cover a broad range of questions
    Nov 7, 2019 3
    • EMC / Eng
      okbye!

      Go to company page EMC Eng

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      OP
      Sometimes I solve a question after spending an hour on it. But when I return to the same question after couple of weeks, my speed is usually the same. How do u suggest I improve on speed
      Nov 7, 2019
    • Infosys / Eng
      BRY47

      Go to company page Infosys Eng

      BRY47
      In the start I focused more on getting a solution vs speed. Eventually, once I found I could come up with solutions, I started timing myself and gradually improved that way. Also, LC holds weekly contests where solving a solution faster ranks you higher among the participants. I don’t do the contests, but it has helped others with speed. Both approaches basically just boil down to consistent practice yields a faster solving speed.
      Nov 7, 2019
  • EMC / Eng
    okbye!

    Go to company page EMC Eng

    okbye!
    OP
    When you mention "key skills", what are you referring to
    Nov 7, 2019 1