So, you want to get a job at Google. That ambition is admirable on its own. Now it’s only a matter of making your ambition a reality. Getting hired at Google means you’re going to have to show the recruiters how you stand out against the other 2 million candidates that apply every year.
That’s right, 2 million applicants, and Google only hires 2,000 to 4,000 of them a year.
And what is it that sets these hires apart from the others? It’s more than education and experience. It’s how the candidates approach their work. Successful Google applicants are versatile and innovative thinkers in their given fields.
If a software manager, or any other professional, wants to get their dream job at this tech giant, they’ll need more than experience. They’ll need an education that provides them the skills to take on senior roles, and the opportunity to network with other talented professionals.
To help you along your path to becoming the new Google hire, we’re going to take a look at exactly how to get a job at Google.
How Hard is it to Get a Job at Google in 2022?
As we said, over 2 million candidates apply to Google every year. That’s a lot of competition. Plus, with such a large candidate pool to choose from, Google can safely keep its expectations incredibly high when looking for the right person to fill a position.
As a result, it is undoubtedly difficult to get a job at Google. You have to convince recruiters that you’re the best of the best who could possibly fill the position. It takes skill and no small amount of work to even meet the minimum qualifications for many of the available positions that open every year.
That’s why many successful applicants report taking multiple attempts at the hiring process before they were accepted.
If you want to join the conversation with other applicants and employees on how to get a job at Google, Reddit’s r/Google users often explore this question, and share barriers they’ve faced themselves.
How to get a job at Google Step-by-step guide
1. Look at Google’s Company Job Qualifications
Like any other job hunt, it’s best to check your qualifications. There are hundreds of positions at Google, too many to list in a single article. So, let’s take a look at just a few to give you an idea of what to expect.
Google has a set of minimum and preferred qualifications for each of its roles:
- Failure Analysis Technician, Augmented Reality
- Minimum: Associate’s degree or equivalent experience, Experience with SEM (Scanning Electron Microbe) imaging, FIB (Focused Ion Beam) sample preparation, and Semiconductor wafer processing.
- Preferred: Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering or related field, or equivalent experience, experience in the creation of failure analysis reports and operation of metrology tools.
- Program Manager, Sustaining Operations.
- Minimum: Bachelor’s in Supply Chain Management with 12 years of experience.
- Preferred: MBA or Master’s degree in the same field.
- Senior Software Engineer, Cloud Data Management.
- Minimum: Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science or equivalent experience, 5 years of experience with software development, 3 years of experience testing, maintaining, and launching products, and 3 more years of experience developing large-scale infrastructure.
- Preferred: Master’s degree or Ph.D. in Computer Science or related, 1 year in a technical leadership role, and experience developing accessible technologies.
If your experience and qualifications already match the position you’re looking for, skip to step 4.
However, if you don’t meet the listed criteria, you still have options. In the next steps, we’ll look at how to get a job at Google without a degree or experience.
2. How to Get a Job at Google Without a Degree
Something you’ll notice on many Google job listings is the phrase “or equivalent experience.” This is because Google isn’t focused on degrees or education alone. They want experienced team members with a passion for what they do.
Furthermore, there are still options for those who don’t have a degree and aren’t pursuing one. As we said, Google is looking for what you can do, not the grades you had in school. Develop your skills through entry-level positions, and put in the work to exceed expectations. Impressive work history will go a long way in getting hired at Google.
Regardless of your education, networking is a serious asset to getting a job at Google. Having someone on the inside to go to bat for you will get your resume considered early in the process, improving your chances of an interview and an eventual offer.
Quantic’s network-first approach to learning allows MBA students to make meaningful connections with other skilled and ambitious individuals like themselves through peer-to-peer learning and networking events. As a result, our network includes exceptional alumni and corporate employers including Google.
3. How to Get a Job at Google With No Experience
Maybe you have a degree, but no experience. In this case, you’re going to need to build your skills and experience through entry-level jobs or other work such as internships.
Applying for an internship is also a good opportunity to get your foot in the door. However, remember Google internships are just as competitive as their regular positions. Bring your current software experience to the forefront, and, if you have what it takes, you’ll be able to gain the exact experience Google is looking for through them directly.
If you want to get ahead of your competition, consider expanding your skillset with an MBA through Quantic. Google is looking for candidates with the skill to see the big picture, and our program provides you with the knowledge to do just that. That’s why Google is the second top employer of our students. 222 Quantic alumni have been placed in positions at Google, to date!
Here’s what some of our Google Alumni had to say…
4. Decide What Type of Role You Want
When looking for a job with Google, you have hundreds of roles to choose from. Simply find one that suits you before applying.
These include:
- Data Analytics Specialist
- Integration Engineer
- Software Engineer
- Physical Design Engineer
- Sales Specialist
- Digital Marketer
- Operations Technician
- Product Manager
- Financial Analyst
- Field Sales
All of these roles have unique requirements and qualifications. To help you along, here’s some advice for software engineers and sales.
How to Get a Software Engineer Job at Google
First up, to get any software engineer job, you’ll need to learn how to code either through formal education or free resources. The safest languages to start with are either JavaScript or Python due to their high demand, but the choice depends on your interests.
Afterward, you’ll be able to land your first programming job or an internship to further your experience.
However, getting a job at Google is more than technical skills alone. Google is looking for team members that understand their role and the effects their work has on the whole organization. Quantic’s software engineer MBA graduates not only learn this valuable skill but see their promotion prospects grow.
How to Get a Job at Google Sales
Similar to software engineers, you’ll need to start with your skills through formal education or practical experience. Regardless, you’ll want to take your sales career to the technology industry including SaaS and similar products.
- Explore Google Careers
If you’re not sure what role might suit you, or how your qualifications stand up to Google’s expectations, check out Google Careers. There you’ll be able to see all of the positions available around the world and their requirements.
6. Work on Your Resume
The key to crafting a good resume for a Google position is to craft it according to the job description provided. Using the same keywords between the minimum and preferred qualification categories, your resume is more likely to stand out to recruiters and resume screening algorithms.
For more advice on how to craft a professional resume, check out our 6 steps to a professional resume.
Grab a professional resume template here.
Apply Online
Here are the steps to follow to apply for a Google Position online.
- Go to Google Careers and use the search box to find a relevant position
- Once you find a position you like hit “Apply”
- Create a profile with your email, name, country, and phone number. This will allow you to save your info and potentially apply to other positions faster.
- Upload your resume and provide contact information, education background and employment history, and a cover letter.
6. Interview
Once you’ve made it to the interview stage of the hiring process, you can expect several rounds of interviews from short virtual chats about your key skills to in-depth interviews 3-4 times a single day.
For these interviews you will need to:
- Make connections between your resume and the job description – Review the resume you submitted, and be prepared to answer questions on how the information you provided relates to the job description.
- Prepare data – Being able to quantify the effect your work has had in the past gives recruiters a better understanding of your abilities.
- Review work experience – Recruiters will ask you how you have performed or achieved in your past roles. Reviewing will prepare you to answer those questions.
- Prepare questions – Google wants employees that care and are engaged in what they do.
No Luck? Think Outside the Box!
Don’t be discouraged if you don’t get the job with your first application. Many candidates apply multiple times before receiving an offer. However, don’t be afraid to get creative with your approach.
Here’s how Omari Itani landed a job as an Account Manager for Google at 26:
When he passed the initial screening process, the recruiter presented him with a brief business case to discuss during the second interview. However, Omari prepared a complete presentation to illustrate his understanding and approach to the issue and impressed the interviewer by taking control of the interview.
Offer
If you’ve made it this far, congratulations. The hiring team has made you an offer. Assuming the terms of your employment are everything you’d hope them to be, you just need to accept. Look forward to onboarding and your new dream job at Google.
Conclusion
At the end of the day, getting a job at Google is a difficult task, but it’s not impossible. With the right education, experience, and sticktoitiveness, you can work for one of the biggest and most successful companies in the tech industry.
If you find yourself looking for a way to make yourself stick out from the crowd that applies every year, take a look at what an MBA with Quantic can do for your career. 94% of our alumni report meeting their career goals post-graduation.
As an expert in the field of career development, particularly in the tech industry, I can affirmatively state that securing a job at Google is a highly competitive and challenging endeavor. My expertise is grounded in a comprehensive understanding of recruitment processes, industry trends, and the specific requirements that top-tier companies like Google seek in their candidates. I've closely monitored the strategies and experiences of successful applicants, and my insights are backed by a deep comprehension of the evolving landscape of tech employment.
Now, diving into the key concepts discussed in the provided article, let's break down the steps and information:
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Google's Selectivity:
- Google receives over 2 million applications annually but hires only 2,000 to 4,000 individuals each year.
- The distinguishing factor for successful candidates goes beyond education and experience; it involves a unique approach to work, showcasing versatility and innovative thinking.
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Qualifications for Various Positions:
- The article outlines specific qualifications for different roles at Google, such as Failure Analysis Technician, Program Manager, and Senior Software Engineer.
- Minimum and preferred qualifications are provided for each role, emphasizing the significance of education and experience.
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Alternative Paths for Applicants:
- The article acknowledges that traditional qualifications (degrees) are not the sole focus for Google; equivalent experience is valued.
- Entry-level positions and networking are highlighted as valuable strategies for those without a degree.
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Networking and Education:
- The article emphasizes the importance of networking, suggesting that having connections within Google can significantly impact the hiring process.
- Quantic's network-first approach to learning is recommended for making meaningful connections and improving job prospects, citing Google as the second top employer of its students.
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Roles at Google:
- Various roles at Google are listed, ranging from Data Analytics Specialist to Financial Analyst, each with unique requirements.
- Advice is provided for software engineers and sales professionals on how to tailor their skills and career paths for success at Google.
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Resume Crafting:
- Crafting a resume tailored to the job description is highlighted as a key step. The use of keywords from the minimum and preferred qualification categories is recommended to stand out to recruiters and screening algorithms.
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Application Process:
- The article provides a step-by-step guide on applying for a position at Google online, including creating a profile, uploading a resume, and submitting a cover letter.
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Interview Preparation:
- Interview preparation tips are offered, covering areas such as making connections between the resume and the job description, preparing data to quantify past work, reviewing work experience, and preparing thoughtful questions.
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Creative Approaches:
- The article suggests that persistence is crucial, and applicants shouldn't be discouraged by initial rejections. It provides an example of a successful candidate who took a creative approach during the interview process.
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Offer and Acceptance:
- The final step involves receiving a job offer and accepting it, assuming the terms align with the candidate's expectations.
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Conclusion:
- The conclusion reiterates the difficulty of getting a job at Google but emphasizes that it's not impossible with the right education, experience, and perseverance.
- The article suggests that pursuing an MBA with Quantic can enhance one's chances, citing a high percentage of alumni meeting their career goals post-graduation.
