I applied online. The process took 3 weeks. I interviewed at Google (New York, NY) in Sept 2010
Interview
I sent my resume into google without reviewing the site or google job requirements. I was called for a 1st level phone screening which was easy. The recruiter was very nice and got back to me quickly and we moved onto the 1st phone screening.
I have been non hands on for a few months so the phone screening was a bit more challenging then it should have been. The interviewer wanted in depth answers like how the struct and bits were aligned.
Note: review your C and comp sci {algorithms, unix system engineering, etc}. I strongly suggest reviewing 'Design of the Unix Operating System' before going into this interview.
Interview questions [1]
Question 1
How would you sort an array of one billions integers?
Good, in depth technical questions and detailed analysis. Attention to detail to the problems given. technical knowledge needed spans several technologies and use cases. Ample time was given and felt very comfortable.
Interview questions [1]
Question 1
What are you long term goals and how are you pursing them?
great interview. they asked me about problems and how to solve them. not too bad at all, interviewer was very polite in my opinion. it was really nice to interview with google.
online, the recruiter seems quite questionable. doesnt give good first impressions im afraid but i am here for the money. they ask super basic questions. just learn your star and you are good