Big Tech interview prep when the AI rules vary by round

Compare employer, role and stage guidance before you choose what to practice.

Plan two different interviews

Practice interviews

01 One employer can require two different plans

“Expect at least one question on software systems design.” (opens the source)

Amazon, SDE II candidate guidance · Amazon Jobs, Undated

Amazon SDE II loop guidance includes systems design. The PM-T route has a separate writing assessment. Prepare the task you actually face.

The PM-T guide describes technical product screening and writing before its loop. That process does not replace the SDE II route.

03 A familiar name does not settle the recruiting route

“please don't use any AI tools during live interviews, or during interview tasks.” (opens the source)

Google DeepMind, Candidate interview guidance · Google DeepMind, Undated

Google DeepMind permits preparation with AI; live interviews and tasks need an exception. Its guide does not define every Google process.

The candidate guide, page 6 says Google and DeepMind have separate recruiting teams. It routes internships to Google Recruiting.

04 One calendar invite does not describe every stage

“The use of unapproved outside tools, such as ChatGPT, during the interview will result in the disqualification of candidacy.” (opens the source)

NVIDIA, Candidate interview guidance · NVIDIA Careers, Undated

NVIDIA's rule concerns unapproved interview tools. Its page also states an onsite requirement and distinguishes internships in its FAQ. Confirm which stages and location apply to your invitation.

05 A team result needs your decision and its limits

“I always look for structured evidence” (opens the source)

Zohaib Mohammed, Manager, Sourcing, and Bar Raiser at publication · About Amazon India, Oct 1, 2025

Zohaib Mohammed's advice in About Amazon India asks for evidence. Explain your part without taking credit for the whole team's result.

“Who did you consult? What trade-offs did you consider?” (opens the source)

Prashant Kumar, Senior Manager, Program Management, and Bar Raiser at publication · About Amazon India, Oct 1, 2025

Prashant Kumar asks how you decided. Name the alternative, who you consulted and the trade-off you accepted.

Compare your routesWhat should change between these two interviews?

Sources

  1. Amazon, SDE II candidate guidance, at the time. Amazon Jobs, “SDE II Interview Prep”, Undated. Open the source. Checked against the published text.
  2. Microsoft, Candidate Code of Conduct, at the time. Microsoft Careers, “How we hire”, Undated. Open the source. Checked against the published text.
  3. Google DeepMind, Candidate interview guidance, at the time. Google DeepMind, “Interviewing at Google DeepMind”, Undated. Open the source. Checked against the published text.
  4. NVIDIA, Candidate interview guidance, at the time. NVIDIA Careers, “How We Hire”, Undated. Open the source. Checked against the published text.
  5. Zohaib Mohammed, Manager, Sourcing, and Bar Raiser at publication, at the time. About Amazon India, “Amazon Bar Raisers reveal what makes candidates stand out in interviews”, Oct 1, 2025. Open the source. Checked against the published text.
  6. Prashant Kumar, Senior Manager, Program Management, and Bar Raiser at publication, at the time. About Amazon India, “Amazon Bar Raisers reveal what makes candidates stand out in interviews”, Oct 1, 2025. Open the source. Checked against the published text.

Last reviewed Nov 10, 2026