The Secrets to Landing a Job at Google

Directly from a Google recruiter

Author

Abbhi Sekar
December 22, 2022

Read time: 4 minutes

Hey there 👋 - it's Abbhi

Welcome to Career Confidence 🤝

👋 to everyone reading this newsletter and gaining confidence in your career.

Today I’ll reveal the secrets of how you can land a job at Google (directly from a Google recruiter).

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Before we dive into Google's secrets, I wanted to share my new FREE course with each of you...

❗❗ 5-Day Email Networking Course to Land 10+ Referrals and 5x More Interviews

(P.S. It'll only be free for 48 hours)

Now let's dive in...

🤯 Google gets 3 million applicants every year

And only 1% get hired.

But a Google recruiter revealed her secrets...

And she's reviewed 1000s of applications.

Diego Granados interviewed her in this video.

I analyzed insights from his interview and wrote the biggest takeaways.

Let's get started...

👊 Actionable Steps

Google Prioritizes Four Criteria for the Perfect Applicant

Fit for the job: Do you have experience & skills for the role?

Cognitive skills: How do you make decisions?

Leadership: Can you take responsibility?

Googliness: How will you make Google better? How do you work in a team?

Let's dive into the process...

Google's Application Process is Extensive

Use the Google XYZ Formula to Design Your Resume

Former Google VP created the XYZ formula.

Accomplished [X] as measured by [Y], by doing [Z].

Google recommends you use it for all roles.

Here’s an example:

Quantify Your Impact and Explain Your Actions

But Google Has Even More Resume Secrets 

Google recruiters want direct alignment between your experiences and the role.

You need to add relevant keywords.

But how?

Copy 15 job descriptions into resymatch.io.

Add the keywords into your experiences.

See how it works

The Most Common Keywords Will Be the Largest

This Illustration Shows Your Resume and Target Job Title Should Overlap

Google Recruiters Scan Your LinkedIn and Your Resume

Align your LinkedIn profile with your resume.

Recruiters will scan for the same keywords.

Write them in your headline and bio...

And make your experiences consistent.

If they're different, recruiters won't know what to believe.

Google Doesn't Recommend a Cover Letter

Cover letters aren’t required.

But if you do submit one…

Tailor it to the job you’re applying for.

Show your impact and use data to back it up.

Template: Intro, 3-5 relevant & detailed stories, conclusion. Keep it to 1 page.

Apply to Google with a Powerful Referral 

Google gets 1000s of referral candidates...

Some are good referrals and some aren't.

Bad referrals are from employees who can’t advocate for you.

A stranger's referral will feel insincere.

Build strong relationships over 3-6 months. A sincere referral will set you apart.

Steal this Message When You Ask for A Referral

Hi [Name], 

It was great speaking with you about [x role]

I'm applying to [x role] at Google. It's a great fit based on my skills. 

Would you be willing to write me a referral? No problem if you don't feel comfortable doing so.

--> Be concise, direct, and give an easy out.

40% of New Hires are Referred

Google Employees Have Often Applied 2-3 Times

“I interviewed 3 times over the course of 

6 years before I became a Googler.”

Lesson: Don't give up.

Google has a team to reach out to previous applicants for open roles.

They recommend you wait 6-12 months to apply again to the same role.

Create 1-2 Stories for Every Job Qualification 

For example...

Job qualification: Stakeholder management

Create 1-2 stories of how you managed stakeholders, your impact, and skills used.

Rehearse outloud. You'll be more comfortable.

You’ll interview with 5-6 employees.

Multiple stories will show you’re well-rounded.

Master the STAR Method to Tell Powerful Stories

Follow Google's Interview Tips to Land Your Dream Job

Use data to show your impact...

Review your work history to speak to your biggest wins and losses.

Ask questions and be specific. Research the interviewer, job description, and company blog.

P.S. Steal templates for Google's top 3 interview questions

Google's Top Interview Questions

Question 1:

What's your favorite Google product? What would you do to improve it?

 My favorite product is [x]. I personally used it for [y]. I would improve the product by adding [x feature].

Question 2:

Who do you believe are Google’s main competitors? How does Google stand apart?

Google's main competitors are Microsoft, Facebook, Amazon etc., Google's main differentiator is their [ability to x]

Question 3:

How do you make sure that you and your colleagues remain accountable?

Accountability is always a priority. I track all my deliverables, block my calendar, and set mini milstones.

Google Recruiters Also Expect Applicants to Ask Great Questions 

Steal these:

“What are the biggest challenges of the job? How have you approached them?”

“Can you walk through a current project and what my role would be?”

“What is something you wish you knew before starting the role?”

“What does success look like in this role? What traits lead to success?”

Apply Google's Best Practices to Your Dream Job

Apply these best practices to your job search.

You'll start to see results...

Google knows how to find great talent.

  • Get a killer referral

  • Create a great resume

  • Overstudy for every interview

🙌 Abbhi's Aces:

Content to consume, Tools to use. Best finds of the week.

📚 This post has 10 unique LinkedIn features you probably don't know

🔗 This post has 12 LinkedIn DM templates for any situation

And if you missed it, check out this masterclass on how to build a powerful network 👇

Abbhi S. on LinkedIn: How Levy Built a Network of 400+ Powerful People | 45 comments

Jon Levy built a network of 400+ Nobel laureates & Olympic athletes. Here’s his story (& tips to 10x your network): 👇 If you enjoyed this - join 1273… | 45 comments on LinkedIn

https://www.linkedin.com/posts/abbhisekar_how-levy-built-a-network-of-400-powerful-activity-7009151331189854208-TwJF?utm_source=share&utm_medium=member_desktop

Thanks for reading! I hope you gained some confidence in yourself and your career with this week's lesson.

See you next Thursday ✌️

Abbhi Sekar 🤝

Struggling to land your dream job?

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Lastly, here are 3 ways I can help you:

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  1. Resume Template to get your next interview

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  3. LinkedIn Profile Optimization Guide to get 10x more inbound DMs

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