Google L3 Interview Experience

I recently completed my interviews for the L3 position at Google India, and I wanted to share my experience. With 2 years of experience in a comparable MNC, I felt reasonably prepared but also nervous about the interview process. Here’s a breakdown of each interview round.

1st Interview: BFS in a Matrix

The first problem I encountered involved implementing a Breadth-First Search (BFS) in a matrix with various obstacles. I focused on structuring my code cleanly and implementing an efficient solution. The interviewer seemed pleased with my approach and the clarity of my code.

However, during the follow-up discussion, we explored edge cases and alternative approaches. Unfortunately, due to time constraints, I couldn’t fully resolve all the nuances of the problem. I felt a bit flustered, but I maintained my composure and discussed my thought process openly.

2nd Interview: Optimal Queue Solution

In the second round, I faced a problem that required finding an optimal solution using a queue. I was able to devise a solution efficiently and, during the dry run of my code, I quickly identified a minor bug where I was mistakenly pushing to the queue after popping an element. I corrected it on the spot, which seemed to impress the interviewer.

Additionally, I noticed a small syntax mistake while explaining my code and corrected it. The interviewer’s satisfaction at this point gave me a boost of confidence as I wrapped up this round.

3rd Interview: N-Queens Variation

The final interview presented a variation of the classic N-Queens problem. I managed to solve the primary challenge within the allotted time and confidently answered additional questions about handling a sparse matrix and other related topics. Interestingly, there were no major follow-up questions, and the interviewer appeared happy with my solution.

Overall Reflection

While I stumbled slightly during the first interview’s follow-up questions, I felt that the rest of my performance was solid. I believe I demonstrated a good balance of problem-solving skills, coding proficiency, and the ability to communicate my thought process effectively.

As I prepare for the upcoming “googliness” round, I’m hopeful and excited. I appreciate all the support from the community. To anyone in similar shoes, I encourage you to stay calm, think through your solutions clearly, and don’t hesitate to discuss your thought process with your interviewer.

Top Comments:

• All the best OP!
• Why on earth you won’t have any chance dude? All the best hit the final nail!!!