What its really like to get a job at Google

What its really like to get a job at GoogleWhat its really like to get a job at GoogleImagine looking at your phone one mundane Monday morning and seeing a LinkedIn notification. You open the app and go to your messages, seeing that a recruiter has contacted you. Youve been open to new job opportunities for a while now, so you decide to check it out. In the past, youve received messages for jobs at companies youve never heard of or ones that just dont spark your interest. But this time, its different. The recruiter wants to chat with you about getting a job at Google. Thats right,Google. Could it really be?Thats exactly what happened to Kelsey.I received a message stating that my resume looked good for a role that Google was hiring for, Kelsey told Swirled. I thought Google? As in the search engine? Kelsey, who asked that her last name remain confidential, started working for Google in 2018 in the New York City office. Although the tech giant is known for just that - its tech jobs - Kelsey says there are so many other roles at Google. Prior to Google, Kelsey worked in operations for companies like Victorias Secret and Primark Stores Limited. Now, she works as a Google staffing services associate.Google hires for pretty much anything you can think of in the tech world, Kelsey said. However, they also hire a lot for the geschftlicher umgang side, predominantly in sales. If you check out the website, the areas in which Google hires are engineering and technology sales, service and support marketing and communications design business strategy finance legal people, and facilities. Theres a role that can fit well with pretty much anyones forte.So how do you apply for a job at Google?First, Kelsey told us that her company is always hiring, so justcheck out the Google careers sitefor current job openings. LinkedIn also features jobs at Google, including openings at the other subsidiaries under Google, like YouTube and Waze.Google also has a large people operations te am (thinksourcers, recruiters, etc.) that spend a lot of time searching for candidates online, Kelsey said.Pro tipFreshen up that LinkedIn profileso you stand out as a prime candidate online.Whats the interview process like at Google?Regardless of whether a candidate applies directly or is recruited via LinkedIn or anotherjob search app or website, the next step is to complete a phone interview. Kelsey said this gauges whether or not the candidate should move on to the next round.From there, they can expect to meet with a few interviewers ranging in job level, Kelsey said. This could be done either through Google Hangouts or onsite.When Kelsey was interviewing, she completed all of her in-person interviews via Google Hangouts. Although it is dependent on the job level and role that the candidate is interviewing for, Kelsey said that candidates can expect to meet with an average of two to three interviews during the in-person stage.As for the actual interview, Kelsey said that her ow n experience included a lot oftypical interview questions.They asked about my experience and typical work-based scenarios, in addition to a lot of behavioral questions, Kelsey said. I was also asked questions, such as what my dream job looks like, what I like to do in my spare time, if I were an animal, which one I would be and why? Questions along those lines. A different type of interview ,for sure. Trust me, I did a lot of prep work for this interview.During the interview process, as with many other companies, candidates can expect to complete projects or tests if its necessary for their role. Kelsey told us thatsome technical candidates are asked to complete coding tasks, while some sales roles may require sales pitches and/or presentations.It really comes down to what role the candidate is interviewing for and which job level, but he or she can expect to go through multiple steps, Kelsey said. The hiring process is very thorough.What does Google look for in job candidates?Accor ding to Kelsey, Google looks for more than just experience in a candidate. The company wants its employees to be well-rounded, with passions outside of work.It reminds me of what colleges look for in hopeful applicants, Kelsey said. An attribute that interviewers look for in a candidate is actually called Googleyness - a candidate that fits well with the Google culture.So what is that Google culture? Its made up of employees that are very knowledgeable in their area of expertise.Theres so much to learn from fellow employees, Kelsey said. Employees are also very involved - there are always events, talks and more at Google which employees are passionate about. I find that employees are always willing to help one another out. There is a oneteam culture that is uniform throughout Google teams. Ive also found that a lot of employees are very down to earth. I get a lot of emails with smiley faces and exclamation points.What are some awesome perks employees can enjoy while working at Goo gle?So often we hear about companies with perks like unlimited vacation days, free food, events and more. Google, as one can imagine, is one of those companies.The amenities for employees truly exceed what Ive ever thought of in terms of a dream job, Kelsey said. Theres a 24-hour fitness center in the building, which I utilize daily. There are nooks and lounge areas everywhere for employees to hang and do their work in. Theres a coffee lab in my building. Theres no dress code. Theres free food. Yes - free. Food. Thats honestly one of my favorite parts about working here I get my breakfast, snacks and lunch all for free. And its not like its typical cafeteria food. Im talking rotisserie pork shoulder, omelet stations, an assortment of salads, a smoothie bar - the list goes on. Im surprised I havent gained the Google 15 yet.With Googles massive list of employee amenities, it seems like its a company that truly cares about the well-being of its workers. However, the focus the compan y puts on hiring great employees makes it an even better place to work, according to Kelsey.Besides the food and all of the cool amenities, my favorite part has to be working with some of the most intelligent, creative, interesting people Ive ever met, Kelsey said. Im genuinely surprised to learn something new about someone on my team almost every day I work here. Its wild and so inspiring.Kelsey said that getting the job offer was surreal for her. But when it comes to getting a job at Google, its really not much different than other companies out there. If youre thinking about applying for a job at Google, just make sure your cover letter and resume are on point, freshen up your LinkedIn profile, prep for the interview and alwaysfollow up with a thank-you note. You just might have that Googleyness after all.Thisarticlewas originally posted onSwirled.comin the Thrive section, which covers valuablecareer and personal finance contentfor millennials.