How We Hire at Google

Summary

This video provides a comprehensive guide to Google's hiring process, led by Brinleigh and Okwus, two Google recruiters. It covers everything from submitting an application on Google’s Careers site to preparing your resume, through phone and on-site interviews. Key attributes Google looks for in candidates include cognitive ability, role-related knowledge, leadership, and 'Googleyness'. The video also explains how hiring committees review candidates, ensuring an unbiased and thorough evaluation process. Ultimately, it encourages applicants to explore open positions and prepares them for a successful application experience at Google.

Takeaways

• 😀 Start by browsing Google Careers site and applying to up to three roles that match your skills and interests.
• 😀 Focus on applying for roles where you meet the minimum qualifications and ideally some of the preferred qualifications.
• 😀 A resume that stands out is important—check out the video in the description for tips on how to make yours shine.
• 😀 Google doesn't require degrees from specific universities, and GPA is only considered if you're a recent grad.
• 😀 Your application is reviewed by a team of trained professionals who focus on your experience and potential fit for roles at Google.
• 😀 Google values diversity and is always looking for candidates who bring unique perspectives and life experiences.
• 😀 If a recruiter doesn’t reach out within a few weeks, assume you're not being considered for the current role, but they may contact you for future opportunities.
• 😀 The first step in the interview process is typically a phone call with a recruiter to discuss your interests and experiences.
• 😀 For technical roles, expect coding interviews; for business roles, interviews will focus on relevant skills and experience.
• 😀 Onsite interviews at Google usually involve four 45-minute sessions with different interviewers, plus a lunch with a Googler.
• 😀 Google interviews are designed to be challenging but fair, focusing on problem-solving and real-life experiences, not brainteasers.
• 😀 Google looks for four key attributes in candidates: cognitive ability, role-related knowledge, leadership, and 'Googleyness'—a collaborative, action-oriented mindset.
• 😀 After interviews, the hiring committee, consisting of Googlers who know the role, reviews your application, interview feedback, and other materials for an unbiased decision.
• 😀 If the hiring committee recommends you, your information goes to a senior leader for final approval before the offer is extended.

Q & A

What are the first steps in applying for a job at Google?

The first step is to browse open jobs on the Google Careers site and find up to three roles that match your skills and interests. It's important to focus on roles where you meet the minimum qualifications and ideally some of the preferred qualifications.

Do you need a degree from a specific university to apply for a job at Google?

No, Google does not require degrees from specific universities, and depending on the role, a degree may not even be necessary. Your GPA is only considered if you're a recent graduate.

How does Google review resumes during the hiring process?

After you submit your application, a team of trained professionals reviews your resume, connecting the dots between your experience and roles at Google. They focus on the individual candidate, not just the application for a specific job.

What should I expect after submitting my application to Google?

Once your resume is reviewed, a recruiter may reach out to you. If you don’t hear back within a few weeks, it's likely that Google has moved forward with other candidates. However, you might be contacted later if another role matches your profile.

What typically happens during phone interviews at Google?

Phone interviews at Google are usually the next step after a recruiter reaches out. They typically involve a conversation about your interests, experiences, and background. For technical roles, phone interviews may also include coding questions.

What is the onsite interview process at Google like?

The onsite interview usually involves four 45-minute interviews with different Googlers. You'll demonstrate your abilities, discuss the role, and ask questions. There might also be a lunch with a Googler to get a feel for what it's like to work at Google.

How are interviews structured at Google?

Google uses vetted, high-quality questions tailored to the job you're applying for. The questions are challenging but fair, and there are no brainteasers. All interviewers are trained to assess candidates using standardized rubrics to ensure consistency.

What attributes does Google look for in candidates during the hiring process?

Google looks for four key attributes in candidates: general cognitive ability (problem-solving and learning ability), role-related knowledge (experience and skills relevant to the role), leadership (teamwork and navigating challenges), and Googleyness (comfort with ambiguity, bias to action, and collaboration).

What happens after the interviews at Google?

After the interviews, your recruiter shares your feedback, resume, references, and work samples with the hiring committee. The committee, consisting of Googlers who know the role best, conducts a comprehensive, unbiased review. If they recommend you, your information is sent to a senior leader for final approval.

What is the final step in the Google hiring process?

If the senior leader approves the hiring recommendation, your recruiter will get in touch to make you an offer.