Getting A Job at Google: As Easy As…
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Written By Reprise Media | February 10, 2006 | Share This
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If only it were as easy to get a job at Google as Chris Gilmer says.
Unfortunately, it ain’t.
Gilmer recently wrote post in the Unofficial Google Weblog that looks at three jobs ads posted on the Google job site and the various skill sets required by each, eventually coming to the conclusion that getting a job at the Big G may not be as difficult as everyone says.
Here’s an excerpt:
“Ok, so as you can see from these three different position openings at Google, there is nothing really extraordinary here. Three jobs, same basic skills that would be required from any other company looking for these types of individuals, its just Google doing the hiring. Google is a different kind of company. So you are going to have to be a different type of individual. You must think different than most, stand out as an exceptional individual with your background and experience as evidence, and most of all, be an innovative, creative person.”
Good Lord. This sounds so utopian. So idealistic. So…removed from reality (can’t you just hear the strains of the Miss America theme song playing in the background? “I think we all have it in us to work at Google, we just have to BELIEVE…)
So I thought I’d take a second to write some quick thoughts on what you really need if you want to get a job at Google, from someone who was there (ex Googler, NYC):
Time & Patience Be prepared to wait. From when you first hit send on your application email to when you’re called for the initial phone interview. From that interview to the first in-person interview. Then a second in-person interview. Then a third. Then a fourth. Then waiting. Then some more phone interviews. More waiting. By the time all was said and done I had been through over a dozen interviews. After I got in I found out that number was on the low end. Others had been through more.
A Good Memory What did you say to whom? Who did you talk to last week? What role do they play in the organization? Why did you talk to them? Who or what did they talk about? What step are you at in the process? It’s hard to keep all your facts straight. You may want to hire a personal assistant.
Money Start to finish the process took several months. Luckily I was already employed during that time, but I could imagine it might be a strain on someone who was out-of-work and actively looking for a job. You’ll also need some dough for several sets of interview clothes. Despite Google’s casual reputation, the dress code is not.
Brute Determination After sitting through all the interviews, jumping through all the hoops and telling your friends and family for the umpteenth time that you’re still mid-way through the process it becomes a matter of stubborn (if not a little stupid) determination: I.AM.GOING.TO.GET.THIS.JOB.EVEN.IF.IT.KILLS.ME. Lesser candidates would have given up a long time ago.
Please note that I’m not trying to be negative on working for Google, just trying to shed some light on what it’s really like. It’s not all about being an “innovative, creative person” as Gilmer says. Sure, that helps. But there’s a lot more to it.
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Nice post Erin. I realize that there is alot more to it. But bottom line, You must think different than most, stand out as an exceptional individual with your background and experience as evidence, and most of all, be an innovative, creative person. If you arent an exceptional person, and slump along, you dont stand a chance in getting in. Am i correct about this? Let me know as i would love to discuss with you further!
Hi Erin,
As you have mentioned you are ex googler can you please elaborate on what are the qualities that are required to get recruited by google?
Thanks
Hi Mohammed,
Like most jobs, it really helps to know someone who’s already working for the company. I was referred to Google by a friend of a friend who was already employed at Google. If you have some sort of “in” then you will get your resume in front of the right people much sooner.
Google also looks for a solid educational background - I didn’t go to an Ivy League/big name school but most of my colleagues did.
Prior work experience that’s related to the job and a cooperative, teamwork-oriented personality are also important. Don’t be afraid to be yourself in the interview, they want people who aren’t too buttoned-up and corporate.
Hi Erin,
Thanks for your insights! What sort of a techies do they look for? I mean, is it always/sometimes C/C++ or they want to find if I excel in my current working technology, say .NET At least I beleive that only change is permanent in this industry. So if I were there I would be looking for candidate’s learnability skills. What’s their take on this?
i need job right now i am in univercity i want to make alot of many i wounder if i can get simple job
Hi There!
Okay I have wanting to work for Google in the Advertsing department. Any suggestions on how I can get it?
Thank you!
Hi Erin,
nice article, and thanks for sharing. Everyone talk about google and how hard to get in, so today I was just searching on the web and found your post. All this info made myself really interest in applying to google.. hahah yeah, I know you must thinking, crazy guy…. I have B.S in computer scince. I can rank my self in good category under java programming (lover of OOP). Also currently working in a web development company. I have dont small project with open source stuff, nothing big…, but my biggest question is, when I got out from College which was three years ago I had to prove my self since my GPA really didnt speak who I really am… so from what I got to know google hire only from people who are from MIT who have like 4.0 GPA is that still true….
Ok….it’s now Jan. 29, 2007.
How is the job situation at google.org now?
I have a friend dying to get a job there and I’m wondering if anyone can shed some light on this.
Help!
Erin,
Thanks for the insider’s view into Google. Do you know how many employees Google has actually recruited? I’m talking regular people like you or I, not the CTOs or such level folk.
Thanks!
i have a friend dying to get a job there & i m working if anyone can shed some light on this