Did I screw up my Google L3 interview
Did I Screw Up My Google L3 Interview?
Recently, I had the opportunity to interview for a Level 3 position at Google, and I wanted to share my experience—both the highs and the lows. The interview process consisted of three technical interviews followed by a behavioral one. While the first two technical interviews went smoothly, the last one was a complete disaster.
The Build-Up
Leading up to the interviews, I felt somewhat underprepared. I had diligently worked through the “Neetcode 150+” and tackled around “Leetcode 75” problems, focusing primarily on data structures and algorithms (DSA). However, I didn’t expect that my last interview would veer off the beaten path and present me with a math-related question instead.
The Turning Point
During the final technical interview, I was hit with a math problem that caught me completely off guard. Instead of confidently articulating an optimal solution, I found myself rambling through various approaches without ever arriving at a concrete answer. My mind raced, and panic set in—I was desperately trying to piece together any semblance of a solution. Unfortunately, the interview wrapped up with me unable to solve the problem and an awkward goodbye.
Reflections on the Experience
In the aftermath of that disheartening interview, I felt my chances of landing the position plummeting to zero. I couldn’t help but think about how I could have handled the situation better. In the heat of the moment, I struggled to think clearly, and although I expressed my confusion to the interviewer, I didn’t receive any feedback. A part of me wished I had asked for a hint or some guidance, but I wasn’t sure if that would be appropriate.
Upon deeper reflection, it’s clear that asking for help during an interview can be a double-edged sword. While it can demonstrate humility and a willingness to learn, it might also suggest a lack of confidence. However, I now realize that in high-pressure situations like these, asking for clarification or guidance might have provided the direction I desperately needed.
Moving Forward
As I process this experience, I’m reminded of the importance of being adaptable and prepared for unexpected challenges during technical interviews. Here are a few takeaways for future interviews:
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Broaden Your Preparation: While focusing on DSA is crucial, don’t neglect other areas of knowledge, including mathematics and problem-solving strategies.
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Stay Calm Under Pressure: Take a moment to collect your thoughts if you find yourself panicking. It’s perfectly okay to take a breath and think critically.
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Don’t Hesitate to Ask for Help: If you’re stuck, consider asking the interviewer for a hint. It’s better than floundering in silence and may lead to a more productive conversation.
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Learn from the Experience: Regardless of the outcome, every interview is a learning opportunity. Reflect on what went wrong, so you can improve for next time.
Conclusion
While it’s easy to feel defeated after a poor performance, I’m trying to view this as a valuable learning experience. Each interview is a step in the journey, and I hope to come back stronger and more prepared for whatever challenges lie ahead. If you’ve faced similar situations, I’d love to hear how you managed them. Let’s support each other in our growth!
Top Comments:
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Yeah, it’s essential to remember that not every interview will go perfectly. What matters is how you respond and grow from it!
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It’d be better if you shared what kind of question it was so we could help you figure out a potential solution. Just a rough idea would suffice!
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What type of math question was it? I might be able to suggest strategies for similar problems!