Company-Tagged Problems — Google, Meta, Amazon Strategy Guide

Company Problem Strategy

Each top tech company has distinct patterns in their interviews. This guide covers the most frequently asked problem types at Google, Meta (Facebook), and Amazon.

Google — Core Focus Areas

Google heavily tests algorithmic depth — not just pattern recognition but understanding why an algorithm works.

Primary topics:

• Graph algorithms (BFS, DFS, Dijkstra, Topological Sort)
• Dynamic programming (interval DP, 2D DP, bitmask DP)
• String algorithms (sliding window, two pointers, tries)
• Combinatorics and math problems

Interview style: Expects you to derive optimizations, prove correctness, and handle edge cases systematically.

Meta — Core Focus Areas

Meta focuses on practical problem solving — clean code, clear communication, and optimal solutions.

Primary topics:

• Arrays and strings (manipulation, two pointers)
• Trees and graphs (BFS/DFS, binary tree traversal)
• Dynamic programming (house robber, LIS variants)
• Recursive/backtracking problems

Interview style: Prefers elegant solutions over complex ones; values communication.

Amazon — Core Focus Areas

Amazon ties problems to Leadership Principles — expect behavioral components and system design.

Primary topics:

• BFS/DFS (shortest path, connectivity)
• Trees (BST operations, LCA)
• Sorting and searching
• Design problems (LRU, rate limiter, system design)

Interview style: Often starts with brute force, iterates to optimal. Expects scalability thinking.

Frequency Reference

Preparation Framework

Week 1-2: Arrays, Strings, Hashing
Week 3-4: Trees, Graphs (BFS/DFS)
Week 5-6: DP (1D, 2D, interval)
Week 7:   System Design + Design problems
Week 8:   Company-specific mock sessions