The interview process was structured, thorough, and well organized. It typically began with an initial recruiter screening focused on background, experience, and general fit for the role. This was followed by one or two technical phone interviews conducted via Google Meet, which included live coding exercises and problem-solving questions. Candidates were evaluated primarily on data structures and algorithms, coding ability, and problem-solving approach. Interviewers were interested not only in arriving at the correct solution, but also in understanding the thought process, clarity of communication, and ability to handle edge cases. If successful, the next stage was a virtual or onsite interview loop consisting of multiple rounds (usually 4–5). These included additional coding interviews, system design (for more senior roles), and behavioral interviews aligned with Google’s leadership attributes and collaborative culture. The overall process was rigorous and competitive, with strong emphasis on technical depth and structured problem solving. Communication from recruiters was generally clear, and feedback timelines were outlined in advance.