• Google is testing a redesigned hiring process that allows the use of approved AI assistance during technical assessments for software engineers.
  • The pilot program starts in the second half of 2026 for junior and mid-level positions in selected US teams, using Google’s Gemini model.
  • Candidates can use an AI assistant for code reading, debugging, and optimization, and interviewers will also evaluate their ability to effectively use the tools.
  • The ‘Googleyness and leadership’ round now includes a technical discussion of design based on previous projects; for junior candidates, one round is replaced by open-ended engineering challenges.
  • Google announced in April that AI now generates three-quarters of new code within the company, a trend seen elsewhere as well.