Best Tips to Get Hired by Google

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If you want to work at Google, you're not alone—the company receives millions of applications each year.

As well as being a hugely successful company at the forefront of technology, Google is known for its employee benefits and perks. These include health insurance, student loan reimbursement, flexible work schedules, in-office snacks, and fitness centers, to name just a few. Plus, at some locations, you can even bring your dog to work with you. 

Google is always high on "top employers" lists, and it's widely considered to be a choice destination for workers.

Only the most qualified candidates will make it through the very selective screening process. Learn more about what makes a strong applicant at Google, and what to expect during your interview.

What Google Wants in an Employee

What does Google want in the candidates it hires? You’ll find plenty of information on Google’s hiring site

While the company is interested in the skills employees bring to the job, Google also highlights the importance of candidates' passions, as well as their "distinct experiences and perspectives." People with this mix of skill, passion, and perspective are deemed a "Googler" as opposed to "skilled workers." More broadly, this is referred to as candidate fit. Are you the right person for the job and for Google? Will you fit in with the company culture?

Google also prioritizes diversity, equity, and inclusion in the hiring process.

Read everything you can find online about working at Google to find out if this might be the place for you to work. Glassdoor.com’s Google Reviews is a good starting point to get insight.

Google's Hiring Process

Once you find a position at Google that interests you, your next task is to submit your resume. Take the time to write a targeted resume. Note that cover letters are optional. 

Applications are reviewed by recruiters, who will contact you if they think you may be a good fit. On the hiring site, Google lists several different assessment tactics, from online assessment tasks and projects to quick or in-depth phone, video, or in-person interviews. 

The hiring process can take a few weeks, or even a few months, because Google is very selective in its hiring—it spares no effort to be sure of a compatible hire.

You can apply for multiple jobs at once, but not an endless number of roles. Google allows candidates to apply for three jobs every 30 days.

Tips for Interviewing at Google

Google takes pride in its interesting and diverse workforce. It encourages you to share what makes you unique, and offers excellent advice on what it likes and doesn't like to see in a resume. Your interview is a key part of the hiring process with Google.

Google follows a behavioral interviewing approach. This means you will need to be ready to provide examples and anecdotes to back up your resume. Your interviewers (and expect to meet at least a few of them) will want to know what you have accomplished, not what your job was.

Be ready to share stories and specific examples of what you’ve done. Google used to be famous for asking interviewees to solve tricky brain teasers during interviews, but it has phased out that tactic. 

Skills That Will Help You Get Hired

Some of the qualities that tech companies seek out in candidates include: 

  • Cognitive ability
  • Intense curiosity
  • Innovativeness
  • Ability to adapt to change
  • Algorithmic thinking
  • Facility with writing computer code
  • Divergent thinking
  • Statistical analysis skills
  • Ability to mine big data
  • Humility and ability to give credit to others
  • Analytical skills
  • Individuals with diverse backgrounds
  • Management style characterized by empowering others
  • Action-oriented
  • Demonstrated ability to take on challenges
  • Evidence of active leadershipaccepting superior ideas from others
  • Candidates who attack problems head-on
  • Evidence of taking ownership and being accountable
  • Collaborative teamwork
  • Comfort with ambiguity

More Tech Company Opportunities

Other tech companies that are high on "best companies to work for" lists include LinkedIn, Meta, Microsoft, and HubSpot. Many startup companies offer excellent opportunities for those interested in a fast-paced, growth-oriented work environment.

Whichever company you're interested in working for, these tips for getting hired by your dream company will help you get started in your job search.