Reddit Question · Feb 2026

Anyone from Google?

SWE Phone Screen Senior
16 replies

Question Details

I got asked a question on a phone screen. I gave an answer that was maxed on time complexity but used a lot of space. I made a comment about the space complexity being extremely high. It was likely th

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I got asked a question on a phone screen. I gave an answer that was maxed on time complexity but used a lot of space. I made a comment about the space complexity being extremely high. It was likely the naive answer. They had me write tests. They commented the tests were good. He asked if there was a way to follow up on my comment that the naive answer used too much memory. I pseudocoded an answer that fixed the memory issue at the cost of time complexity.O(1)->O(n) He then gave me another hint that you could save some time complexity. I verbally explained a final answerO(log n). I asked if he wanted me to implement it. He said we only have 7 minute left do you think you would be able to finish?Otherwise we should do questions. I said I might barely be able to finish. We went to questions.

Am I screwed? Felt like it was very weird behavior that he gave me a choice on being able to finish the question. If that was required to pass I would have rather rushed though and maybe made it. edit: It was for a senior position.

About This Question

This is a reported interview question from a google interview for a swe role (senior level) during the phone screen round reported in 2026.

It covers the following topics: General Experience .