Which FAANG is hardest to get into?

The difficulty of getting into a FAANG company (Facebook/Meta, Amazon, Apple, Netflix, Google) can vary based on a number of factors including the specific role, your level of experience, and the hiring process of the company. However, generally speaking, Google is often considered the hardest FAANG company to get into. Here's an overview of what makes each company challenging and why Google often tops the list:

1. Google

Why It's Hard:

• Rigorous Screening: Google's interview process is known for its thoroughness. They have multiple rounds of technical interviews, including coding, system design, and behavioral interviews.
• High Standards: Google sets very high standards for technical skills, problem-solving ability, and cultural fit.
• Unique Problems: Google’s interview questions are known to be unique and can often involve complex algorithms, data structures, and system design problems.

Interview Process:

• Initial Phone Screen: Typically includes coding problems.
• On-site Interviews: Several rounds including coding, system design, and behavioral interviews.
• Hiring Committee Review: Your interview performance is reviewed by a committee to ensure a fair and unbiased decision.

2. Meta (Facebook)

Why It's Hard:

• Technical Depth: Meta looks for strong problem-solving skills and deep technical knowledge.
• Behavioral Focus: Meta places a strong emphasis on cultural fit and alignment with their core values.
• System Design Emphasis: For senior roles, system design interviews can be particularly challenging.

Interview Process:

• Initial Phone Screen: Includes coding and technical questions.
• On-site Interviews: Multiple rounds covering coding, system design, and behavioral questions.
• Focus on Culture Fit: Meta evaluates how well you align with their values and work culture.

3. Amazon

Why It's Hard:

• Leadership Principles: Amazon's interview process heavily focuses on their Leadership Principles. You need to be able to demonstrate these in your answers.
• Bar Raiser: A unique feature of Amazon’s process is the “bar raiser,” an interviewer whose job is to ensure that each new hire is better than the average current employee.

Interview Process:

• Initial Phone Screen: Includes technical and behavioral questions.
• On-site Interviews: Multiple rounds, including a focus on Amazon’s Leadership Principles.
• Bar Raiser: One interviewer specifically evaluates your fit for the company.

4. Apple

Why It's Hard:

• Product Focus: Apple places a significant emphasis on design and product questions, reflecting their focus on high-quality product development.
• Attention to Detail: Apple looks for candidates who pay close attention to detail and have a strong design sense.

Interview Process:

• Initial Phone Screen: Includes technical questions and sometimes product-related questions.
• On-site Interviews: Multiple rounds covering coding, system design, and product design.

5. Netflix

Why It's Hard:

• Culture Fit: Netflix places a strong emphasis on their culture, which they refer to as the “Netflix Culture.”
• High Performance Expectations: Netflix looks for candidates who are top performers in their field.

Interview Process:

• Initial Phone Screen: Includes technical and behavioral questions.
• On-site Interviews: Several rounds, including coding, system design, and cultural fit interviews.

Factors That Influence Difficulty

1. Role and Level:

• Senior roles, such as Senior Software Engineer or Technical Lead, tend to have more rigorous interview processes compared to junior roles.

2. Specific Teams:

• Some teams, especially those working on core products or cutting-edge technology, might have tougher interview processes.

3. Individual Experience:

• Your background and experience can also influence how challenging you find the interview process.

Conclusion

While all FAANG companies have challenging interview processes, Google is often considered the hardest to get into due to its rigorous screening process, high standards, and unique problem-solving questions. However, Meta, Amazon, Apple, and Netflix also have their own unique challenges and high expectations. Preparing thoroughly, understanding the specific company’s values and interview structure, and practicing relevant problems can help improve your chances of success. Websites like Glassdoor, LeetCode, and DesignGurus.io can provide valuable insights and resources for preparation.