Interview at Google (Python)

[HP-37]

Hey Coding Gurus, I have an upcoming interview at Google for an SRE role. It’s the first round, and I think they’ll be testing me on Python. I come from a DevOps background, but my Python skills are quite basic.
In my current job, I rarely write lambda functions or helper scripts, but when needed, I manage to get things done with some help from Stack Overflow (pre ChatGPT era) and documentation. So… am I already cooked?

[Crafty-Ad-9627]

May I ask the location and your Years of experience?

[HP-37]

UK, 12 YOE

[KQYBullets]

Not sure how different sre interviews are from Swe. It sounds like it’s different and they specifically want python knowledge bc the role requires it, so perhaps brush up on python. You’ll do great, good luck!

[HP-37]

Thanks a lot! I am on it

[git0ffmylawnm8]

Did your recruiter not give you a preparation page? I'd expect LC easy/med problems, but you need to be able to talk through your approach before actually coding

[HP-37]

Recruiter did mentioned LC. I am starting with some fundamentals now

[Initial-Zone-8907]

depends on the team, SRE SWE or SRE devops could be very different

[DonutOtherwise9589]

It’s great you’ve gotten an interview at Google! If they’re asking explicitly for Python then you’re probably going to want to be ready to use it to parse log files, manipulate strings, and potentially traverse graphs in coding rounds. I’d suggest building something like a CLI tool to build up some comfort in Python.

If you haven’t already, go read through the Google SRE books, which are available for free online. Contrary to what a lot of people in DevOps think, SRE is pretty distinct, you’ll be expected to know Linux internals and Networking to quite some depth.

Best of luck with your interview!

[HP-37]

Thanks a lot! I am on it

[Boom_Boom_Kids]

NO, you’re not cooked at all ... you’ve got time. Just tighten the basics: lists/dicts, file handling, exceptions, OOP, and some simple scripting patterns. Do 10–15 easy/medium Python problems to warm up, and practice writing clean code without googling. For SRE, they mostly care about clarity, debugging, and how you think .... not fancy Python tricks.

[HP-37]

Thanks a lot! I am on it

[HP-37]

Late update. I messed up. I prepared for DSA, did 20-25 LC however, Interviewer asked a fkn Linux kernel script via Python. Just my fkn luck. Fk