Roadmap to Get Placed at Google
A Beginner-Friendly Guide to Becoming a Software Engineer at Google
How to Use This Guide:
Follow the steps below, set achievable goals, and adjust timelines to suit your schedule. Stay
consistent and track your progress daily.
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Table of Contents
1. Phase 1: Build Strong Fundamentals (3-4 Months)
2. Phase 2: DSA Mastery & Problem Solving (4-6 Months)
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3. Phase 3: Learn Development & Build Projects (2-3 Months)
4. Phase 4: Resume + LinkedIn + GitHub Profile (1 Month)
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5. Phase 5: Apply + Prepare for Interviews (Ongoing)
6. Bonus: Daily Tracker Sample
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Phase 1: Build Strong Fundamentals
Focus:
Learn core Computer Science concepts essential for technical interviews.
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Topics to Cover:
● Data Structures: Arrays, Linked Lists, Stacks, Queues, HashMaps, Heaps, Trees,
Graphs, Tries
● Algorithms: Sorting, Searching, Recursion, Binary Search, Greedy, Backtracking,
Dynamic Programming
● Object-Oriented Programming (OOP): Classes, Objects, Inheritance, Polymorphism,
Encapsulation, Abstraction (Java recommended)
● Operating Systems: Processes, Threads, Scheduling, Deadlock, Memory Management
● DBMS: SQL Queries, Joins, Normalization, Transactions, Indexing
● Computer Networks: TCP/IP, HTTP, OSI Model, DNS, Firewalls
Resources:
● Video Tutorials: Gate Smashers, Neso Academy
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● Coding Practice Platforms: LeetCode, NeetCode, GeeksforGeeks
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● Reference Book: Cracking the Coding Interview
Action Step:
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Watch 1-2 videos daily and solve 3-5 coding problems related to these topics.
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Phase 2: DSA Mastery & Problem Solving
Focus:
Build proficiency with data structures and algorithms.
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Topics to Practice:
● Arrays & Strings
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● Linked Lists
● Stacks & Queues
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● Trees & Binary Search Trees
● Hashing (Maps & Sets)
● Recursion & Backtracking
● Sliding Window, Greedy, Divide & Conquer, Dynamic Programming
● Graph Algorithms (DFS, BFS, Dijkstra, Union-Find)
● Tries
Resources:
● Problem Practice: LeetCode (use the “Google” tag), InterviewBit, HackerRank
● Structured Learning: NeetCode 150 or LeetCode Top Interview Questions
● Extra Challenge: Codeforces for competitive programming
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Action Step:
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Aim to solve 300+ problems in total; set aside 2-3 hours daily for coding practice.
Phase 3: Learn Development & Build Projects
Focus:
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Gain practical coding experience by working on projects.
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Choose a Domain:
● Web Development: HTML, CSS, JavaScript, React.js, Node.js, Express, MongoDB
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● Android Development: Java/Kotlin, Android Studio, Firebase
● Open Source Contributions: Look for “good first issue” labels on GitHub
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Project Ideas:
● Todo App
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● Weather App
● Chat App
● Blog Website
● Portfolio Website
● Expense Tracker
Resources:
● freeCodeCamp
● CS50x by Harvard
● JavaScript.info
Action Step:
Build at least two solid projects and document them clearly on GitHub.
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Phase 4: Resume + LinkedIn + GitHub Profile
Focus:
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Present your skills in a professional manner.
What to Do:
● Resume: Create a one-page resume with clean, impact-driven bullet points. Ensure it’s
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ATS-friendly.
● GitHub: Upload your projects with well-documented READMEs.
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● LinkedIn: Use a professional photo, a clear headline, list your skills, and highlight your
achievements.
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Tools & Resources:
● Resume Creation: Overleaf, Kickresume, Canva
● Profile Optimization: Resume Worded
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● GitHub Documentation: ReadMe.so
Action Step:
Finalize your resume and polish your online profiles with feedback from peers or mentors.
Phase 5: Apply + Prepare for Interviews
Focus:
Prepare for interviews and apply strategically.
How to Apply:
● Direct Application: Use Google Careers.
● Networking: Connect with current Google engineers on LinkedIn for insights and
possible referrals.
● Internships/Programs: Consider applying for internships or Google Summer of Code
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(GSoC).
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Interview Preparation:
● Technical: Practice with mock interviews (using Pramp or Interviewing.io) and solve
Google-specific problems on LeetCode.
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● Behavioral: Prepare common questions (e.g., “Tell me about yourself”, handling
conflicts, why Google) and use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) for
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your answers.
Action Step:
Begin applying as you continue refining your technical and behavioral interview skills.
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Bonus: Daily Tracker Sample
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Tip:
Create a daily progress tracker to monitor your activities. Your tracker might include fields such
as:
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● Study Goals
● Completed Topics
● Number of Coding Problems Solved
● Project Updates
● Interview Preparation Notes
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