Account manager (and technical account manager) interviews at Google are really challenging. The questions are difficult, specific to Google, and cover a wide range of topics.
For those who want to work at Google (or Google Cloud), the good news is that getting ready can make a big difference. We have put together this ultimate guide to help you maximize your chances of success.
This guide goes over the interview process for both account managers and technical account managers at Google. No matter what role you’re applying for, you should be able to find what you need here.
Getting hired as an account manager at Google is no easy feat. With over 3 million applications received each year and an acceptance rate of less than 1%, just getting your foot in the door is an accomplishment in itself.
But the real challenges begin once you’ve made it to the interview rounds Google’s interview process is notoriously grueling, with candidates often facing 4-8 back-to-back interviews over the course of a full day.
Luckily, with the right preparation, it is possible to ace the Google account manager interview. In this comprehensive guide, I’ll walk you through everything you need to know, from what to expect in the different rounds to the most commonly asked interview questions and how to nail your answers.
Overview of the Google Account Manager Interview Process
The Google account manager interview process typically spans 4-8 weeks and consists of the following key steps:
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Resume Screen Recruiters review your resume for relevant skills and experience This is the most competitive stage, with millions not making it past this point.
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Recruiter Phone Screen (30 mins) Confirm you have the potential to succeed at Google with basic screening questions
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Hiring Manager Interview (45 mins): Assess your experience and fit through more in-depth behavioral and situational questions.
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2-4 Onsite Interviews (45 mins each): Back-to-back interviews on one day covering your technical abilities, leadership, collaboration, and problem-solving skills.
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Reference Checks: Speak with your provided references to vet your previous performance and experiences.
The onsite day is the most intense and rigorous part of the process. Thorough preparation and having strategies for common questions will be key to emerging successfully.
The 5 Types of Google Account Manager Interview Questions
Based on thousands of interview reviews, Google focuses on 5 main areas when assessing account manager candidates:
1. Client Service (30% of questions)
As client-facing roles, you’ll need to demonstrate your ability to understand clients’ needs, identify growth opportunities, and drive results. Example questions include:
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How would you help a local ice cream shop expand their customer base through Google Ads?
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Your client’s sales have dropped after a competitor opened nearby. What strategies would you propose?
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A client requests a feature saying it will double their spend. What would you do?
2. Behavioral & Motivational (30% of questions)
Prove you’re a cultural fit who will thrive at Google with questions about your background, work style, strengths/weaknesses, and interest in the role. For example:
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Tell me about yourself.
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What makes you interested in this opportunity?
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What is your greatest weakness?
3. Leadership & Collaboration (24% of questions)
Demonstrate your people skills and how you motivate teams, collaborate cross-functionally, and lead through challenges. Example questions:
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Tell me about a time you influenced without authority.
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How would you deal with an isolated coworker?
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Describe a time you faced and overcame a difficulty at work.
4. Product Expertise & Strategy (15% of questions)
Showcase your understanding of Google’s products and how you think about business strategy with questions like:
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What is your favorite Google product and how would you improve it?
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How much revenue does Google make daily from each product?
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You acquire Waze; what are your next steps?
5. Technical Knowledge (Technical Account Managers only)
If interviewing for a technical account manager role, be ready for more in-depth technical questions like:
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How would you migrate a client’s app to Google Cloud?
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Design Netflix on Google’s cloud infrastructure.
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Explain how you would efficiently transfer files between servers.
9 Key Tips to Ace the Google Account Manager Interview
With preparation and the right strategies, you can set yourself up for success in your Google interviews:
1. Research Google’s culture and values so you can express your alignment and passion for their mission during the interviews.
2. Thoroughly review the job description and Google products related to the role to avoid any surprises.
3. Practice out loud to improve the clarity and concision of your answers. Speak slowly.
4. Master 1-2 examples for each major question type through extensive practice. Internalize your stories.
5. Brush up on technical knowledge if interviewing for a technical account manager position.
6. Prepare 5-10 stories from your background illustrating key competencies like leadership, collaboration, analytical skills, communication, and overcoming challenges.
7. Research your interviewers online to identify common interests you can bond over.
8. Dress professionally, be polite to everyone you encounter, and watch your body language.
9. Send thank you notes within 24 hours customizing for each interviewer. Mention specific topics discussed.
How to prepareNow that you know what questions to expect, let’s focus on how to prepare. Here are the five preparation steps we recommend to help you get an offer as a Google
Most candidates fail to do this. But before you spend a lot of time getting ready for a Google interview, you should make sure that the company is right for you.
Google is prestigious and so its tempting to assume that you should apply, without considering things more carefully. But it’s important to remember that the status of your job won’t make you happy at work every day. Its the type of work and the people you work with that will.
If you know account managers who work at Google (or used to) its a good idea to talk to them to understand what the culture is like. In addition, we would recommend reading this interview with Eric L. Smith (a Google technical account manager), as well as the following resources:
4 Product / strategy questionsGoogle account managers are experts on Google’s products. So if you want to make a good impression during your interviews, you should be prepared to speak knowledgeably about Google’s products. This may require some additional preparation, but it’s worth it. In particular, you’ll want to be prepared to discuss the specific Google product that your role is related to (e.g. Google Ads, Google Cloud, etc.). In addition, you’ll need to be able to think about Google’s products and teams strategically. Not just tactically. As a result, you’ll want to be ready to talk about high-level strategy during your interviews. Below, we’ve compiled a list of example product / strategy questions that you can practice with. These are all real Google account manager interview questions that were reported on Glassdoor, we’ve just made edits to the language in some places to make them easier to use (e.g. grammar and phrasing, translating to English, etc.).
- Youre in charge of the team that just acquired Waze. What do you do next?.
- Which Google product do you like best, and how are you going to make it better?
- How do you intend to sell Google Products?
- With the way things are now, what kind of app or startup would you make?
- What would you put money into to boost sales of the G-Suite portfolio?
- How much does the business charge for a product every day? Guess.
- Do you think it’s important that Google sells Google Ads to small and medium-sized businesses?
Guide to Ace Google Technical Account Manager (Google TAM) Interview: Process, Question and Tips
FAQ
What is the role of an account manager at Google?
How many Google technical account manager interview questions are there?
Glassdoor has millions of jobs plus salary information, company reviews, and interview questions from people on the inside making it easy to find a job that’s right for you. 48 Google Technical Account Manager interview questions and 41 interview reviews. Free interview details posted anonymously by Google interview candidates.
How difficult are account manager interviews at Google?
Account manager (and technical account manager) interviews at Google are really challenging. The questions are difficult, specific to Google, and cover a wide range of topics. The good news is that the right preparation can make a big difference and can help you land the job at Google (or Google Cloud).
What happens at a Google technical account manager interview?
The following outlines the various stages a Google technical account manager will encounter at his interview: LAUNCH your dream career! The first step is a phone call with a recruiter who will assess if your background and experience align with the open position. They will ask questions about your qualifications and interest i working for Google.
What questions do Google interviewers ask?
They will ask questions about your qualifications and interest i working for Google. Initial Interview – This round is usually conducted by the hiring manager and will involve a series of questions to gauge your personality and fit for the role. Expect to answer queries about yourself, your interest in Google, and the position.
