Big Tech AI Interview Guide:
How to Get Hired at FAANG
Big tech AI interviews are rigorous but predictable.
Learn the process, prepare systematically, and land the offer.
AI Native Engineer Community Access
Big Tech Interviews
Have Different Rules
The multi-round process (5-7 interviews) is overwhelming without understanding what each round evaluates.
Leveling decisions can move you from L5 to L4, costing $100K+ in compensation—you need to interview at your target level.
Committee-based decisions mean you need to impress multiple interviewers, not just one hiring manager.
Master the Big Tech Interview Process
The AI Career Accelerator
Big tech interviews follow predictable patterns: coding, system design, behavioral, and AI-specific rounds. Prepare for each round systematically and you'll outperform most candidates.
Understand the Process
Know what to expect: recruiter screen, phone screen, virtual onsite, team matching
Prepare Coding Rounds
LeetCode medium-hard, focus on clean code and communication, not just solutions
Master System Design
Practice AI-specific system design: RAG pipelines, model serving, real-time inference
Nail Behavioral Rounds
Prepare STAR stories for leadership principles and demonstrate senior-level impact
Meet Your Mentor
When I started in tech, I was based in the Netherlands with no connections and only thousands of video game hours under my belt. Not exactly the ideal starting point.
My first tech job was software tester. One of the most junior roles you can start with. I was just happy someone took a chance on me.
I kept learning. Kept pivoting. But what actually accelerated my career wasn't more certifications or more code. It was learning to solve problems that matter and proving beyond a doubt that what I built solved real problems. That's the skill that stays future-proof, even with AI.
I've since worked remotely for international software companies throughout my career. Proof that the high-paid remote path is possible for anyone with the right skills and motivation. In the end, I went from a $500/month internship to 6 figures as a Senior AI Engineer at GitHub.
Now I teach over 22,000 engineers on YouTube. Becoming an AI-Native Engineer is a system I lived through and offer to you today.
Real Results
Vittor
AI Engineer
Landed his first AI Engineering role in 3 months
"The coaching played a huge part in my success. I focused on AI fundamentals, the certification path, and soft skills like professional writing. Having access to expert guidance gave me confidence during interviews and helped me feel I was on the right path.
I built my own platform (simple but functional) and deployed it on AWS. I used it in my portfolio and showcased it during interviews. The way complex topics were explained, especially the restaurant analogy for AI systems, really stuck with me. Focusing on doing the basics well was absolutely essential."
What You Will Get
Personalized Roadmap & Career Strategy
A custom plan tailored to your background, goals, and timeline. No generic advice.
Weekly 1:1 Coaching Calls
Direct access to Zen for guidance, project feedback, and answers to your questions.
Portfolio-Ready AI Projects
Build production-grade AI applications to showcase to employers. Work that gets you hired.
Interview Prep & Mock Interviews
Practice technical and behavioral interviews. Learn what hiring managers look for.
Resume & LinkedIn Optimization
Transform your online presence to attract recruiters. Stand out from other applicants.
Community Career Support
Join the AI Native Engineer community. Not seeing results yet? You stay and keep going. We're with you through the ups and downs.
Big Tech Compensation Is Life-Changing. Prepare Thoroughly.
Every month you delay can cost you thousands in lost earning potential. While you're watching tutorials, others are landing $120K+ AI Engineering roles.
I can only work with a limited number of 1:1 clients at a time to ensure you get the personalized attention you deserve.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the typical big tech AI interview process?
Most big tech companies follow this process: (1) Recruiter screen (30 min) - background and interest, (2) Phone/video technical screen (45-60 min) - coding or system design, (3) Virtual onsite (4-6 hours) - coding, system design, behavioral, AI-specific rounds, (4) Debrief and committee review, (5) Team matching (Google, Meta) or hiring manager decision (Amazon, Microsoft), (6) Offer negotiation. Total timeline: 4-8 weeks from application to offer.
How should I prepare for coding rounds at big tech AI roles?
Focus areas: (1) LeetCode medium problems (200+ solved) with emphasis on arrays, trees, graphs, dynamic programming, (2) Python proficiency for AI roles (most preferred language), (3) Clean code practices—meaningful names, proper structure, edge case handling, (4) Communication—explain your thought process, ask clarifying questions, discuss trade-offs. Big tech values how you solve problems as much as whether you solve them. Practice mock interviews with time pressure.
What AI system design questions do big tech companies ask?
Common AI system design questions: Design a recommendation system (Netflix, Amazon), Design a search ranking system (Google), Design a content moderation system (Meta), Design a fraud detection system (Stripe, Square), Design a real-time translation system (Google), Design a RAG-powered knowledge base. For each: discuss data pipelines, model serving, latency requirements, scaling strategies, monitoring, and failure modes. Practice drawing diagrams and explaining trade-offs.
How do behavioral interviews differ at big tech companies?
Each company has different values: Amazon uses Leadership Principles (16 specific principles with 2-3 questions each), Google focuses on 'Googleyness' (collaboration, ambiguity tolerance), Meta emphasizes 'Move Fast' and impact, Microsoft values growth mindset and collaboration. Prepare 10-15 STAR stories covering: conflict resolution, failure and learning, leadership without authority, ambiguous situations, cross-team collaboration. Map your stories to each company's specific values.
How does leveling work at big tech companies and why does it matter?
Levels determine compensation (L4 vs L5 can be $100-200K difference). Typical AI engineer levels: L3/E3 (entry), L4/E4 (mid), L5/E5 (senior), L6/E6 (staff). Leveling is determined by: scope of past work, autonomy demonstrated, technical leadership examples, communication quality. Interview at the level you want—demonstrate senior-level scope even if your current title is 'mid-level.' Ask your recruiter what level you're being considered for.
How long should I prepare for big tech AI interviews?
Recommended timeline: 2-3 months for thorough preparation. Week 1-4: LeetCode grinding (2-3 problems daily), Week 5-6: System design practice (2-3 full sessions), Week 7-8: Behavioral prep and company-specific research, Week 9-10: Mock interviews (at least 3-5), Week 11-12: Light review and confidence building. If you're already strong in one area, reallocate time accordingly. Don't interview tired—take breaks during prep.
Can I get hired at big tech without FAANG experience?
Absolutely. Many big tech AI engineers come from startups, consulting, or non-tech industries. What matters: strong coding skills (LeetCode ready), solid system design fundamentals, clear communication, relevant AI project experience (even personal projects count). Focus on demonstrating impact and scope in your current role, regardless of company prestige.
How much time do I need to commit?
Most clients invest 10-15 hours per week, but this can be flexible based on your schedule. We'll have weekly 1:1 calls plus time for you to work on projects and learning. The key is consistency. Regular, focused effort beats occasional marathons.
What if I don't land interviews in 90 days?
You become a member of the AI Native Engineer community, and you stay and keep going. Career transitions take different amounts of time for everyone, and I'm not going to abandon you if things take longer. You get ongoing support through good times and bad.
How is this different from online courses?
Online courses give you content. 1:1 coaching gives you a personalized roadmap, direct feedback on your work, career strategy, interview prep, and accountability. You get answers to your specific questions and guidance tailored to your unique situation instead of generic advice meant for everyone.
What's the investment for 1:1 coaching?
Investment details are discussed during the 30-minute strategy call, where we'll assess your goals and create a custom plan. The program is designed to pay for itself quickly through your increased salary. Most AI engineers see a 20-50% pay increase.
Can I do this while working full-time?
Absolutely. Most of my clients work full-time and make steady progress. We'll schedule calls at times that work for you and create a realistic plan that fits your schedule. Consistency matters more than intensity.
Ready to Land Your AI Role?
Stop watching others succeed. Start building your AI career today.
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