I interviewed in 2007-2009 and there was a lot of preparation as well. It wasn't as widespread as later, but anyone that did 'programming contest' style problems had a huge advantage at interviews.
I had something like an 80% offer rate because of this. Ironically I didn't actually get a Google offer though (not sure why, I did solve the problems).
I had something like an 80% offer rate because of this. Ironically I didn't actually get a Google offer though (not sure why, I did solve the problems).