For those hoping to get a job at Google, having a structured approach during the interview process can be the difference between success and failure. Erica is a Google recruiter and interviewer, and she is here to share her top tips for young tech professionals looking to drive success in one of the most coveted roles in tech.
Using the STAR Method to Ace Your Interview
During interviews, Erica uses the STAR method to prepare – a strategy that breaks down your answer into four key components: Situation, Task, Action and Result. “When interviewing at Google I always say to use the STAR method when answering questions,” she explains. Put it in this way, make sure you explain the situation at hand, the task you took to fix the situation, the actions taken to fix the situation, and the result. This way, your answers are clear and structured.
Presentation of Resume Tailored for the Role
Another important advice Erica shares is making sure your resume aligns directly with the job you are applying for. “When building your resume, I always suggest that candidates study the role they’re applying for—especially the minimum qualifications—and ensure their resume aligns with what the company is looking for,” she says. Knowing your facts and tailoring your experiences for that specific role can make a huge difference in standing out to recruiters.
Networking for Success
In addition to acing your resume and interview, networking is a crucial strategy for landing a job at Google. Erica recommends that job seekers build a network around the roles they are targeting. “If you’re interested in a role, go on social media and find someone in that role you’re interested in. Look at their trajectory, which activities they’re involved in, their past job titles, etc.—and use that during your search,” she suggests. Building this network can provide valuable insights into the role, the company culture, and the skills necessary to succeed.
Don’t Get Discouraged by Rejection: A Google Engineer’s Advice
Sahil Gaba did six rounds of rejection at Amazon before getting into Google. He had faced multiple rejections in 2016 and 2018 but managed to get into his dream job by changing his mindset. “I started not caring about the outcome of the interviews because I had taken and failed in so many of them,” Gaba shared. He called this attitude “liberating” and said that it helped him eventually get into Google.
Includes inputs from online sources)
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