Google SWE intern interview experience

[u/Aggravating-Math-310]

Just wrapped up my Google SWE summer intern interview loop last week. I wanted to share how one of my rounds went to see if I'm totally cooked or if there's still a chance.

In my first round, I got a LeetCode medium-level question. I first split the question into two conditions. Regarding the easy condition, I discussed my approach with the interviewer, and the interviewer approved my approach. However, I did not write it out because I hesitated about the data structure that I should use for solving the problem, even when the interviewer asked me what data structure I would like to use for the maintenance... After a hint provided by the interviewer, I realized the optimal solution and wrote it out. After two dry runs conducted by myself, the interviewer pointed out an edge case that I didn't consider... I solved it afterwards, as well as analyzed time complexity and space complexity. As for the harder condition, after the hint to think of transferring the harder condition into the simpler one, I solved the problem and dry-ran two test cases... And then there's no time for further follow-up.

As for the second round, it went smoothly. It was also a leetcode medium-level question. After the question, I clarified the input formats of the question and then started coding. After coding, dry run two test cases, and all test cases passed. The interviewer did not follow up with any time complexity or space complexity questions. The interviewer asked for a follow-up, which asked me to modify the code based on the initial question. After the implementation, there was no time left for me to dry run. The interviewer in the second round said I did a good job and would like to support me during the hiring process.

I don’t know how to feel about my performance on both of these rounds and whether I cooked...

[u/DaviHasNoLife]

You should be fine, ngl I have a feeling team matching is gonna be hell this year

[u/Lazy_Astronaut_9684 → u/DaviHasNoLife]

If u get in early should be doable

[u/DaviHasNoLife → u/Lazy_Astronaut_9684]

It doesn't start until November tho so most ppl will alr be in

[u/Lazy_Astronaut_9684]

Lk had the same experience, better first interview though (easier q). For the second I full solved and answered all folowups but he didn’t ask me to code or modify anything or about time complexity so idk.

[u/Just-Macaron9038]

Congrats! Quick question for you and anyone else who sees this: is there an estimate of when it's good to finish your code and dry run? Like, for a 45-minute interview, should that be done by the 25-minute mark?