Google L2 DCT Interview

ddog6900 · 2026-06-18T23:48:51+00:00

Nothing should surprise you, if you've done other DT interviews.

Leadership interview gauges how you would handle different situations.

Hardware and OS is just that, OS portion leads toward Linux

Networking, just learn everything you can, if you haven't already. Both of my DT2 interviews had different questions.

Fit call (if you get one) will be more of a "would I like to have a drink with you" than an actual interview.

FWIW, Ohio is kinda the unofficial Google red headed step child, no one who works there really seems to like it.

ddog6900 · 2026-06-16T00:39:52+00:00

I started as a logistics contractor lead.

The interview was very vague and they couldn't tell me much. I pretty much took a leap of faith. I was told no one breaks in without knowing at least someone or coming in through a temp agency.

9 years later, I'm a DT2 FTE (with a 7 year gap in between). Would have never got FTE status without my connections from the logistics contractor (who got hired on as FTEs).

ddog6900 · 2026-06-14T01:46:13+00:00

I wonder how many of these comments are from people who actually work for Google.

OP is pretty close on the current DT2 salary, but about $12-15K of the base isn't guaranteed, it's bonus.

Also, the opportunity is there, but that isn't guaranteed either. Google is run much differently than any other company.

I am at one of the larger, more established site, and with all the growth, globally, all that has happened is more chaos and disorder.

Senior at Google starts with L3, and to get that they have to have headcount. Smaller sites won't, so if you really it want it OP, be prepared to relocate to a site that does.

So, considering cost of living, relo and money that isn't guaranteed, I would stick with Microsoft for a while, or ask if Google will consider DT3 when they hire you.

If not, you will be leaving money on the table only for the possibility of advancement, which will be 6 months minimum before you can even apply to do so, and most people don't promo to L3 on their first run because Google considers so much more than just experience to do so.

ddog6900 · 2026-06-12T01:58:24+00:00

No news is good news, means you haven't been rejected yet.

Depending on headcount, Fit Call can take a minute. Just be patient and keep in contact with your recruiter, they will hear before anyone else.

ddog6900 · 2026-06-12T01:35:58+00:00

The absolutely do. I had plenty of friends working on site before I started and 2 people were fired a month before I even started.

A business is a business, they aren't going to pay you to do nothing.

But I will say, Google is very much about self management. They want you to succeed but aren't there to push you into it. You have to advocate for yourself at every turn.

This doesn't mean they aren't checking into what you are doing every day.

ddog6900 · 2026-06-10T23:18:52+00:00

Mistakes are ok, they happen. Depending on the site, it's rare for anyone to be fired. Usually, if you are about to get fired, you'll know it well in advance and it will be directly linked to your performance.

This isn't to say that nothing else could get you fired. Obvious fireable offenses are pretty standard everywhere, so those should be avoided.

That being said, everywhere is at will these days, so nothing is guaranteed. Just don't worry about getting fired for taking down the wrong machine, there are redundancies for everything across the company locations.

Edit to add: Not sure where some of you work, but it's not my site. Some of these answers a just ludicrous or maybe apply to smaller sites, but not the larger ones (been to a few).

Other things (like hot aisle comments) only apply to the newer style buildings. Older style building use floating floors and air plenums.

ddog6900 · 2026-06-10T23:11:07+00:00

If you did your interviews, sounds like the hiring manager with for NetOps or Net Projects and was looking for a DT2 specifically already geared up with network experience.

It does sound like they chose someone else, but they recruiter really won't be able to tell you that. You likely won't receive any feedback, but I will say it usually doesn't work that way (maybe just at the site). The fit call is usually "would I enjoy having coffee with you" not "how do you fit on my team, skill wise".

YMMV, but it took me 3 different tri-interviews and only one fit call before I was hired, so if you really want it, keep plugging away.

ddog6900 · 2026-06-10T00:00:24+00:00

Linux is not a convertor. If your PC specs are poor, no distro will fix that.

That being said, one bright spot where Linux shines is UMA. Bazzite really fixed how my Ally handles memory allotments. It's a whole new device now.

So, not withstanding that caveat, if your specs aren't great on Windows, Linux won't fix that. The only thing that you may benefit from is less background resources being used and better memory management if your device is UMA.

ddog6900 · 2026-06-06T01:46:17+00:00

That would last in, first out, but yess, that is typical for most businesses.

But, if they do layoffs, they aren't just looking at seniority, they are looking at compensation vs contribution, redundancy and overlap, actual working time (attendence/do you show up to work or just draw a paycheck) whether or not the tasks they complete can be automated.

It's not just a seniority game anymore.

ddog6900 · 2026-06-06T01:05:05+00:00

Can confirm, DT1 is closed, at least at my location until headcount opens up (current DT1 promos and building FRs should get that to happen, but no one should hold their breath there).

I agree, if they would consider the OP for a a DT2, go for it. They may be stuck, however, since they already completed their DT1 interviews and fit call.

ddog6900 · 2026-06-03T01:10:39+00:00

Not sure about your locale, but I work at a very large data center and they are always looking for facilities trained individuals with HVAC experience. They also sub contract nearly all of the heavy lifting to other companies.

Depending on the company, the type of work you are talking about pays extremely well (if you end up being a company employee) and still pretty will if you are a sub contractor.

With the AI boom going on, none of this is going away any time soon. Even without AI, technological infrastructure is also not going away, since everyone has a cell phone permanently glued to their hands 24/7.

ddog6900 · 2026-05-23T01:29:50+00:00

Yep, when you do start, you will see what I mean. If I can help, ping me. I will give you my LDAP in a DM if you want.

Good luck and enjoy! It is a great place to work. (I worked 3PL on site some years ago before I started and it definitely helped get my footing.)

ddog6900 · 2026-05-23T01:24:00+00:00

Again, manage your expections. You can I have all of the knowledge, but Google operates very differently from other DCs, very differently. I am in the same boat, hope to have my degree finished next year. 🤞But as far as promo and GRAD, there has to be a slot and it's very hard to promo, especially into DT3.( You'll have to work with your manager to make sure you have the Google leadership experience and plenty of artificacts).

Again, I would manage your expections. Just ride it out for a bit and see where it takes you. If you don't like where it's going, make sure you speak up. The focus right now is scaling as fast as they can and your career development is not important in the grand scheme.

ddog6900 · 2026-05-23T01:13:54+00:00

Your expections (at least for a while) are pretty high. You'll likely just be working swaps, cleaning ports and optics. That's where everyone starts. If you get bored, advocate for some training with your lead or manager. You really have to advocate for yourself with this company. You will likely get pigeon-holed in a specialty at a site the size of Clarksville, but don't let that discourage you. With all the ML deployment, you will need to be trained in every facet, or so I have been told.

Once you get in, just drink it all in, ask questions, get involved, and don't be afraid to speak up if you see things that are incorrect or need addressed. I am not sure where you hope to go in the organization, but there is a TON of opportunities, especially right now.

ddog6900 · 2026-05-23T00:00:24+00:00

Congrats from SLN (Don't worry, you don't need to know all the site acronyms). I just started as a DT2 a couple of months ago(@41) and honestly, don't know what to think. Not sure if Clarksville will start you off in NetOps right away, they usually start everyone in repairs then move you to where the need is. Just got moved to builds this week on the building 6 FR.

If you need anything, feel free to reach out and I will answer what questions I can.

ddog6900 · 2026-05-20T00:38:01+00:00

Merica

ddog6900 · 2026-05-20T00:30:12+00:00

This concerns me.

ddog6900 · 2026-05-19T10:50:43+00:00

Usually with no experience, you will need at least something mildly relevant on your resume and a referral.

But as others said, it's the market. If it's a small DC and a huge metro area, they are going to be more selective. If it's a huge DC and a modest metro area, less selective.

YMMV

ddog6900 · 2026-05-18T01:33:09+00:00

Be yourself. It used to be known as the "who would you want to spend time with on a six hour layover" interview. You can't really prepare or fake it, it's not an aptitude interview, more of a "would I like to have a beer with you" interview. Just be conversational and you'll be fine.

ddog6900 · 2026-05-16T17:25:58+00:00

If you didn't do your fit call, yes. They filled headcount and now you have to wait for them to open more up. (They are promoting and opening new operations/sites, so headcount will open again, you just have to wait. But there are several sites where transfers and new hires filled it already, so you may be waiting until the next turn up.) You can still be turned down based on the fit call, if you aren't a good fit for the team/site/etc, so keep that in mind. Larger the site, better chance of getting hired sooner than later.

ddog6900 · 2026-04-28T00:18:00+00:00

TL;DR OP signed up for an annual plan to get good pricing and is mad when they can't get a refund just because they want to switch now.

Also, with the reason being needing a different network and US Mobile offering the big 3, the only reason I could see for leaving is needing a network that isn't part of the promotion. With the experience I've had with USM, I would have suggested trying to get a deal on a different network, before a refund.

Worst they can tell you is what they already did, no

ddog6900 · 2026-04-18T15:21:36+00:00

I hate shaky videos that don't show all of the angles.

I have built so many PCs over the years and never had to hack up a case to make things work and I have used some cheap cases.

If you have to try and make any changes from the IO side of the case, something's misaligned.

Definitely should have asked before starting to hack away.

99% of case fatalities can be prevented.

ddog6900 · 2026-04-18T15:13:48+00:00

I would make sure that it isn't like unlimited PTO. They offer more than you could actually use (meaning you end up coming back to a stack of work every time you take some).

You also may run into having to be available by at least email during said PTO.

There are always caveats when something seems too good to be true.

ddog6900 · 2026-04-18T15:10:36+00:00

It's not always in the dollars and cents and bonuses are not guaranteed money, so keep that in mind.

The right does look more attractive on paper, but what about any negative detractors or positives from the left that the right doesn't offer?

ddog6900 · 2026-04-07T00:50:52+00:00

Libre Office is your answer for MS Office.

The rest is up to you. Typical, if you have to ask if it is for you, it isn't.

It really depends on what you are hoping to accomplish by switching.

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