I applied through an employee referral. The process took 6 days. I interviewed at Google (Bengaluru) in Aug 2012
Interview
My resume was referred to the Indian recruiter by a senior US employee. The recruiter scheduled a phone interview for 5 days later with someone in the US (late night call). Before the call they gave me instructions on what to expect. As Google PM was my dream role, I actually prepared a 12 page cheat sheet for the call [ what a waste!].
The interviewer was a PM who had relocated from India to the US and showed major attitude. My strong sense here is that the phone interview was just a formality, they had already decided not to proceed further. [This has happened to me before, at EMC]
For the first 15 minutes he mocked my startup venture, that had not taken off. Then he gave me a problem about locating, classifying and displaying search results for commercial products. He mocked me for the next 15 minutes about that while I explained my solution.
He ended it after that and I asked a few questions from my end to complete the call.
The interview went totally contrary to everything I had read about Google PM interviews, design, strategy, appreciation of Google products etc. I later realized that those reviews were mostly for US positions. It was also different from what the local HR recommended as preparation in her interview scheduling mail.
One recommendation I do have, start practising linear thinking, and staying within bounds, while preparing for interview. At least this PM did not seem to appreciate lateral thinking while problem solving.
I got the canned rejection letter within 10 days.
Interview questions [1]
Question 1
The very last question was, "if you could be the product manager for any product in Google which would it be?"
Recruiter Screen (30–45 min)
Discuss background, product experience, and interest in Google
Hiring Manager Screen (45–60 min)
Behavioral + product strategy, leadership, prioritization
Technical/Analytical Screen (45–60 min)
Problem-solving, data analysis, metrics, A/B testing
On-Site / Virtual Interviews
Product design & strategy
Execution & technical tradeoffs
Leadership & influence
Googleyness / behavioral
Hiring Committee & Team Match
Feedback review, team fit, final approval
Interview questions [1]
Question 1
Google Search is seeing a decline in engagement among teenagers. How would you identify the root cause and propose a strategy to improve usage in this segment?
I applied through an employee referral. I interviewed at Google (New York, NY) in Sep 2025
Interview
Very straight forward process though I only went through with two interviews. Phone screening with talent director followed by team leads. Withdrew from process due to the role being on-site 5 days a week.
Very difficult interview loop. Lots of trick questions and brainteaser problems. Even with studying a ton in the leadup I still struggled and ultimately did not receive an offer. Interview process is still similar to what any guide online describes.
Interview questions [1]
Question 1
Estimation question about computing revenue for a product line given 0 details