Google
Interview Coaching

For the none technical aspect of a Google interview, they will usually ask a mixture of competency based and strength based questions. One key thing when developing your answers (that we focus on within our Google Interview coaching) is to ensure that you integrate Google’s core values in to your answers or in another words show ‘Googleyness’. This is important as it will show that you have the right type of personal attributes, character and attitude to fit in well in to Google’s working culture.

Google interview coaching is something as a consultancy we have been doing for many years. One important concept we highlight to all our clients is not to lose their sense of perspective and put too much pressure on themselves. Yes it’s Google! However at the same time it’s important to prepare smart and be efficient with your mental energy, because you’re going to need it for your interview. This why in our Google interview coaching sessions we work extensively to help develop high quality answers filled with ‘Googleyness’. By applying this strategy in to our Google interview coaching method  here at Job Interviewology we have have successfully helped many professionals succeed.

As mentioned above, questions will me a mixture of strength based and competency based questions. In our Google coaching sessions we will focus on the all important ice breaking questions, such as “Why do you want to work for Google?” and “Talk me through your CV?” or “Tell me about yourself?” Then depending on the job role, we will have a range of tailored questions specifically for your interview. There is also a high likelihood that you will be asked some general behavioural questions such as your ability to dealing with conflict, where you’ve shown leadership and and successfully worked as part of a  team. Also once you get through the to the final stage of the interview process you will partake in loop interview which will consist of a GCA interview (General Cognitive Abilities). In this interview you will have to respond to a hypothetical scenario presented to you at the interview.

Phone interviews are usually the first stage during the interview process. At Google the nature of the phone interview will be dependant upon the nature of the role. If you’re going for a technical role such as a programmer, be prepared to expect a range of technical questions. If you’re going for a non technical role the interview will be a mixture of behavioural (competency based) questions and strength based questions. Our first Google interview coaching rule when it comes to telephone interviews is to prepare like a face to face interview, since aside from being unable the see the other persons face the content of your answer is still expected to be at the same level. Secondly is to make sure you have simplified notes at hand so that they can help you stay on track. Remember never to read during a phone interview as the interviewer will know straight away.

There are typically between two to three rounds in a Google interview. There is usually an indication of the number of stages in the interview invite. If you’re not sure, make sure you ask before hand by emailing them for clarification. Our Google interview coaching programme will focus on helping you through each stage, ensuring the right level of preparation to deliver a high quality performance.

Interview coaches can make anywhere from between £50-£200 per hour. However don’t let the price of the coach be the deciding factor, always talk to them first, before deciding what’s the best way forward for you.

Google interviews are harder compared to other tech-firms, expect at least 2-3 rounds of interviews ranging from behavioural, knowledge based, GCA and technical interviews.

Google’s salary in the tech industry is extremely competitive, particularly in the US (Mountain View) and their bases in Colorado. However in the rest of the world such as in London, Paris or Singapore Google’s pay can be lower than competitors. This is because working at Google is so sought after that they can attract high calibre candidates at a lower salary range.  You can learn more about the average starting salary at google by reading our blog posts.

Google interviews can be very challenging. Since each round, RRK, GCA, Googleyness & Leadership have their own unique focus. This is why it’s important to do your research and research what possible google interview questions could come up at the interview. As this will allow you to focus your preparation.

Yes, if you have a coach who knows their stuff and possess the emotional intelligence to communicate that knowledge with you in an effective manner, it’s 100% worth it!

The best way to prepare for a FAANG interview is to 1) Have robust stories which have depth, think about the ‘Why’ 2) Research their values to integrate in to your answers 3) Develop a clear and memorable elevator pitch by talking about your motivators 4) Practice makes perfect; practice as your go along in developing your answers and stories.

FAANG interviews aren’t easy, therefore require plenty of advance planning even before your have an interview or applied for a role. 3 month an excellent time scale to work to, in this period you should be spending time on 1) developing your examples 2) practicing GCA questions 3) Be proficient in explaining your technical knowledge and experience.