It’s been called a best company to work for by multiple organizations, and if you want a job at Google you have to bring your A-game. In addition to offering incredible career opportunities, Google provides just a few notable perks, too, such as a gourmet cafe, on-site dry cleaning, fitness centers, and video game areas — all for employees to enjoy at no cost. It’s no wonder that Google receives more than 3 million applications each year!
Think you can make the cut? Only 0.2 percent of applicants do, according to Business Insider. It’s a long process that will test you in ways you probably haven’t experienced in other job interviews. It starts simple enough with an online application that a recruiter reviews. If you’re deemed a good fit, get ready for the pre-employment ride of your life.
After a phone screening, you may be asked in for an interview. Expect the first interview to last between two and three hours, depending on how many people you’ll be meeting. In addition to reviewing your professional skills, Google is well known its brain teasers, which will test your cognitive prowess.
Yep. These brain teasers will stump even the cleverest of applicants. Whether you’re figuring out how many golf balls fit into different sized vehicles, developing a plan for evacuating a major city, or solving a seemingly impossible number-sequence problem, get ready to exercise your thinking muscles. It’s best to provide answers even when you’re not sure you’re correct, as saying you “don’t know” is not an option.
The folks at Google are just as interested in the methods used for determining an answer as they are in the answer itself. They want to know how you think, so be ready to offer the steps taken and reasoning used to arrive at your answers. After all, both logical aptitude and creativity are of value at an organization like this.
If you survive the first round of interviews you can breathe a sigh of relief, but don’t rest for too long. Most people come in at least five times to interview, and in the past people have interviewed up to 29 times, notes this infographic. It can be a long process, but it’s important to stay focused and keep your eye on the prize.
It’s important to note that managers alone do not make hiring decisions. Research shows that Google is unique in using special hiring committees to review all promising candidates for job openings. These committees are made up of experienced employees, hiring experts and senior directors, to name a few.
After the pool is narrowed down, an executive review by senior-level management determines the winning applicant. Then a compensation committee determines the details of the offer before handing it off for one final review by a top-tier executive. Finally, an offer is made to the candidate and the onboarding process can begin.
The entire process can take six months or more. Google is terribly selective — but for the right reasons. The company wants employees with stellar cognitive abilities, standout leadership skills and bright personalities. If you hear “You’re hired!” you are truly due a hearty congratulations. When you crunch the numbers, it’s actually easier to get into many Ivy League colleges than to become an employee at Google.
