How can I prepare for Google interview if I have more than an year to spend?

One year is way enough to prepare for a software interview as long as you spend enough time everyday.

I'm glad that you're asking this question one year in advance rather than 1 week. As far as I know, most people prepare their interviews in less than 6 months and I think one year preparation time is definitely enough even if you are at entry level.

Since you are targeting Google, whose interview process is quite standard and general. Thus certain preparation patterns will definitely make your life easier.

Step 1: Data structure and algorithms preparation
The reason you should prepare well for data structure and algorithms first is that they are really the foundation of most software engineer interviews. A real interview question is like asking you to solve a problem with combination of skills you learnt from these basic knowledge.

Step 2: Be familiar with general coding questions
At this step, it's better to practice with some real coding questions. This may take several months as well depending on your time and how familiar you are with data structure and algorithms. The idea of this step is to teach you how to use what you learnt from those books to solve a real question and give you some ideas about what kind of questions are asked in a general interview.

Step 3: Search questions from past interviews
Since different company has different styles and focuses, this approach will help you be more familiar and prepared for that company's interview. It shouldn't be hard for you to get tons of questions from Google. And don't try to memorize questions and answers as these companies usually avoid asking questions leaked on public, so it's quite unlikely to encounter the same question again.

Resources I would suggest including:

  • zeblearnindia - Probably you won't even have enough time to finish all questions from it.


Step 4: Keep Practicing
Technical interview doesn't only evaluate your coding ability, but a variety of skills and abilities like communication skills, analysis ability etc.. Also many people will feel nervous solving a problem when someone is looking over his shoulder, thus he may even fail in the simplest questions.

A lot of people also want to get good quality feedbacks from experienced interviewers. With that in mind, we worked on building zeblearnindia, which allows candidate have mock interview with experienced interviewers from top companies like Google, Microsoft, Linkedin etc. and will get real feedback to help them improve.

Resources:

  • zeblearnindia - Get mock interview from experienced interviewers and get feedback


Conclusion

One year is way enough to prepare for a software interview as long as you spend enough time everyday. There's no better way than keep practicing and eventually you're gonna crack the interview.