I was wondering what it takes to get into google if I know Java.
I do understand that just 'knowing' Java does not suffice the same.
But it would be great if I can get some advice on the same as its a long cherished dream to work for Google.
I would appreciate if I could get some guidance as to how and what should be my direction. I have around four and a half years of experience in Java as of now.
There are probably a whole series on obstacles to overcome, but I'm fairly confident that if Java is the only language in which you're proficient, then that would be a serious drawback. Knowing when to pick which language (and when not to) is an important trait to have.
Thanks a lot Lester for the reply. I have knowledge in C++ and shall work on the same. Other than that can you suggest some other language that I should be reading about and trying to get my knowledge enhanced on??
And what I was majorly concerned was about the programming side of clearing the Google interviews. Of course there would be non technical rounds that these interviews are famous for.
Preet Prasannan wrote:I have knowledge in C++ and shall work on the same. Other than that can you suggest some other language that I should be reading about and trying to get my knowledge enhanced on?
Rather than C/C++, I'd go for something like Python or Ruby, plus a functional language like Lisp (or Scala or Clojure, if you want to work with the JVM).
Knowledge of a particular language will only take you as much as in Indian MNC's with their run of the mill jobs.
If you dream of biggies like google and amazon, its not a language or framework they are looking for.
go to google.com and search for the type of questions they ask. It is heavily tilted towards questions which require no prior knowledge of a *particular* language. It's a mix of puzzles, data structures, algorithms and similar.
Knowing a language only shows your rote knowledge, not your analytical ability which is what you willl be tested there, not questions like "Name the 10 different types of Action classes in struts"
I have been interviewed by Google in the past.
Google uses five languages: C, C++, Java, Python and JavaScript.
For the interview you have to pick a language to solve the problem they will ask you about (except JavaScript) but they will tell that if you passed the interview process, you should be able to program in all of them.
Google doesn't really about the language and they really don't care about the exact answer, they are interested in your approach and in your thinking.
(If you think Apple rejecting iOS apps is ugly, wait to you see Google rejection).
Of course, their interview process can be really annoying in general.
Don't just pursue Google just because of Google, it may not be the place/job you are dreaming of.
And remember:
Every time an engineer joins Google, a startup dies.
I recently learned about a new online book written by a group of individuals that recently interviewed with Google. The title is "100+ Greatest Google Technical Interview Questions and Answers." I think it will be about 10 of 15 dollars for the PDF version. Be on the look out for a January release date. Good luck!