How do you get a job at Google?

Introduction.

One of the most common questions I get - and I’m sure all my fellow Googlers would agree - is “how do I get a job at Google?”

It’s not surprising really - Google is one of the most high-profile companies in the world. You open up your laptop and there it is. There’s even a movie about getting a job at Google.

So, I wanted to put together a list of 5 things that could help you land your dream job at Google. These aren’t hacks. These tips will hopefully shine a light on what we look for in potential Googlers, and how you can boost your chances of a successful application.

1. Think about your “Why?”

What are you really, really passionate about?

What makes your eyes light up? What makes you lean forward into the conversation? What could you spend hours and hours talking about?

Ask yourself these questions and pinpoint your passion: the thing that gets you out of bed in the morning; the thing you catch yourself daydreaming about.

Me? I love to build and change things. I also believe in the democratising power of technology. Having grown up in pre-Internet New Zealand, I have always been in awe of the ways in which technology can democratize talent and bring us closer together. To me, it’s like magic.

That’s my ‘Why’. What’s yours?

Knowing the answer to this question is the first step on the road towards becoming a Googler. Don’t just go after the name or the job title - figure out what you’re really interested in. At Google, we seek out passion more than anything else, and your passions and the experiences that created them, however niche they may be, could be exactly what we need.

2. Check out Google Careers.

Even if you know some Googlers - even if you’re married to one - the only way to get a job at Google is to apply.

We’ve built an easy-to-use interface to allow you to easily apply right here. Once you’re on the page, you can filter jobs by location, seniority level and skills. At any one time, there are all sorts of jobs for a whole spectrum of experience levels. If you’re in high school and you’re looking for an alternative to university (and one that pays!), then you could apply to our Sales and Marketing Apprenticeship. Want to work in social media at YouTube? Then this is where you need to start looking.

If you do know one of the 135,000+ full-time employees, here’s where they could come in handy. Hit them up if you have any questions about a specific role. Drop them a message saying, “Hey, I’ve seen this role that I might apply for, but I’m not quite sure what the title means”. They’ve navigated the process successfully, and their insight could be invaluable.

3. Trim the fat off that CV.

So, you’re ready to hit that “Apply” button for your dream job at Google. Once you do, you’ll need to send your CV.

My main piece of advice? Less is more. 

Of the 3 million+ people that apply to Google each year, only a few thousand are hired. When we’re hiring, we look at dozens and dozens of CVs, so generally, we have to skim. As such, it’s a good idea to make your CV as concise as possible - one page is a good rule-of-thumb.

Personally, I like to scroll right down to the bottom of the CV first, so I can read what you’ve done outside of your work and education. I want to know about YOU. For me, this stuff isn’t extra-curricular - it’s a window into who you are as a person and what you can bring to the table, which is always more interesting that what you’ve done or where you’ve studied.

Playing sports. Climbing a mountain. Working for a charity. Whatever your “WOW” factors are, we want to know about them. They tell us a lot more about you than what university you went to and what you studied at school.

4. Persevere!

3 million+ applicants a year - that’s almost the population of my home country! This statistic might sound intimidating, but it’s a useful reminder not to take it personally if you don’t get through to the next stage.

Don’t worry if you don’t get an interview the first time you apply. And don’t feel like you’ve used up your one shot - many people apply more than once. Someone on my team applied six times to different roles before they got a job!

Keep chipping away and refining your application, and - most importantly - make sure you’re applying to the right roles for you.

5. Get to know a Googler.

Maybe you went to school with one. Maybe you’re best friends with one. Maybe you met one at an event. 

Don’t be put off if you don’t know a Googler already though. In the age of LinkedIn, it’s never been easier to make and maintain meaningful connections with people all around the world, Googlers included!

A Googler can offer helpful advice throughout your application process, and they can give you insight into what it’s like to work for the company, if you are successful. If you get through the initial application stages, and up to a potential offer situation, there’ll be an internal check, and that Googler will have a chance to vouch for you as a person.

Conclusion.

Google is one of the best employers in the world, and I speak as one of those employees, but if you’re reading this article, chances are you already know that.

There’s no secret to getting a job at Google, but I can tell you this: passion and perseverance are hugely important. Everyone has to go through the same application process, but there’s no one thing - whether it’s a specific school, degree or role - that’ll guarantee you your dream job.

Don’t try to be something you’re not. Instead, dig deep into your passions - find your Why and make it shine on the page. That thing that makes you you might be the exact same thing we’re looking for. Check out my YouTube channel Coffee, Eggs and Inspiration for some additional tips!