I applied through a recruiter. The process took 2 weeks. I interviewed at Goldman Sachs (London, England) in Feb 2008
Interview
I had an initial phone interview which covered some very specific questions regarding design patterns, principles and testing methodologies. During the phone interview I was also asked a brainteaser which was very difficult and the interviewer did in fact say that nobody ever solves it. It was more to get an idea of how you would solve a problem.
I didn't think it went well, but got asked to attend a face to face interview. Actually, it turned out to be three face to face interviews. Firstly, a technical guy asking lots of questions about previous architecture and design experience and implementations. Also, some SQL questions relating to index (Clustered, non-clustered) that sort of thing.
Secondly, met with a potential member of the team that I would be working with. This was the most pleasant interview of the lot as it wasn't as in your face and trying to grill you.
Thirdly, the manager overseeing the EU/ Asia development teams. Again, someone who wanted to discredit everything you say with his superior knowledge and experience.
First round was hackerrank assessment having 2 coding questions. Then after clearing that, the first round of interview had Leetcode Hard question, similar to get the maximum score. I was not able to do it. Interviewer was very nice though
Interview questions [1]
Question 1
Leetcode Hard question, similar to get the maximum score
One OA and coding round
I failed at first round since I cannot solve that lc problem, interviewer is from the office out of Japan,
OA is easy, got help with AI you can easily passed it.
Interview questions [1]
Question 1
one hard lc question.
4. Median of Two Sorted Arrays
They said it's a 1:15-minute interview, but I finished in 40 mins. Starting with my previous work experience and projects, they asked 3 cultural questions and 3 coding questions, and I asked them 2 questions about the role, and I finished it.