A few days back, we posted about how to get a job at Microsoft. Because a reader, via his comment, requested us to assign a similar article on how to get a job on Google, we are posting it here.
Before knowing how to get a job at Google, you, as a student, need to know the difference between the company and the different KPO (Knowledge Process Outsourcing) centers working with it. Since both will display and use the logo and name of Google, you have to be sure you are applying to the right position at the right place. For example, if it is a position for Google Adwords, it is probably a KPO. The best method to make sure you are applying to Google and not to its partners is to search for Google jobs from the Google Portal itself.
Jobs in Google for students
On its portal explaining the hiring process, how it feels working for Google, and other things, they have a link to explore jobs by region. I have added the link towards the end of this article so that you don’t land up anywhere else. Besides, you also need to be aware of sites and entities promising you will get hired by Google and demand some money advance or deposit. No such companies exist that will help you get a job with Google. The company has its own rules for hiring people, which I am writing about here.
IMPORTANT: Check for available positions on Google’s website, and do not fall prey to false claims by third parties promising you a job with Google.
STEP 1: Find A Suitable Position
The first step is to check whether there is an opening that suits you. From the website of Google, explore jobs by region and see if you are interested in any of them. If any position is located at a place different from your own, analyze to see if it would be worthwhile or feasible to move to that place.
You can analyze by getting an idea of all perks you will get, learning about the culture and lifestyle of the place to see if you would be comfortable plus able to adapt to it, etc. You might also want to consider how much it would cost to travel to that place – back and forth – so that you can meet your family and friends once in a while. And whether the perks are good enough to leave the comfort of living on your own!
Read: How to prepare for a Virtual Job Interview.
STEP 2: Apply To Google Vacancies
Once you have figured out what you want to do at Google and are okay with relocating (if required), you need to apply to Google for the position. The Google application process is entirely online. Just click the APPLY NOW button towards the right of the job description, and it will take you to a form where you will be asked to fill in your information: general, education, and previous employment. It also offers a place for adding a cover letter to your resume.
While the information you fill in the different fields is automatically built into a resume, you must upload a resume with a cover letter. Since your cover letter is the first point of contact with the Hiring Staff at Google, make sure it states what you are and why you are applying for the job. Accordingly, the resume should be concise but include all relevant information to increase your chances of being hired by Google. Some agencies offer help creating resumes, but a self-styled, creative resume has an advantage over traditional resumes.
Start with a headline that summarizes all your skills and continues to provide your employment experience. Suppose you do not have any previous employment experience. In that case, you can provide information about projects you completed while graduating and anything else that you think will add brevity to your resume. Keep personal details minimal as they’ll ask for them when interviewing on the telephone or in person – only if they are interested.
It is the most challenging part, and hence, you should be able to impress the recruiters at the first shot. Google does accept fresh graduates without previous employment skills, provided that you prove you are good and creative enough to adapt yourself to the requirements. Add a little convincing to the application cover letter as well. I suggest creating resumes and cover letters offline. Check them for errors and brevity. Compare them with LinkedIn profiles of some of the people working for Google and then refine them accordingly. Once you are satisfied, upload the resume and cover letter.
PS: The resume and cover letter parts are the most important for getting into Google. Do not rush to fill in the application form. Take a little time and create the best possible resume and cover letter.
STEP 3: The Telephone Interview
If your resume can convince the Hiring Staff at Google, a telephone interview is scheduled. You will be informed about this via email or a local phone call. The questions are basically about what you wrote in the resume and cover letter. There is nothing to panic about during this phase. Just be yourself and, at the same time, maintain telephone etiquette. You will be called upon for a face-to-face interview if you pass this stage.
STEP 4: In-Person Interview
It may be four to five people interviewing you. Again, you need not get worried. Worrying will spoil your effect on the interviewers. Just keep imagining or thinking about different things in case you are kept waiting so that the brain does not get into panic mode. You may also pick up a newspaper or magazine and start reading it until you are called.
As per Google, this phase is more about your problem-solving skills. They will be checking out your skills by posing specific scenarios. Also, expect some direct questions about the job field you applied for. Just believe everything is going well, and it will go well.
STEP 5: Finalizing Your Employment with Google
It takes around two weeks before your employment with Google is confirmed. Google says their hiring process makes them consider the best applicants by comparing on one to one basis. This process takes a little time and hence the delay. If it has been over two weeks and you did not hear from them, you can contact them asking about your interview.
Read Free Job Search Sites for searching for jobs online.
Is it hard to get a job at Google?
Google has high-quality standards and receives many applications each year, making it difficult to get a job there. According to INC, Google receives 2 million job applications per year, making it more difficult than getting into Harvard University. Even though thousands of people get hired every year by Google, it’s still achievable.
Are Google Interviews hard?
Preparing yourself for a Google interview is the easy part. The hard part is navigating the different interview processes, which can get very complicated. There are three primary interview processes: the on-site interview, the phone interview, and the assessment center. Each approach has its own set of guidelines, which you must accurately follow to get hired.
