How hard is it to start working at Google?

Hi Kristyn,

There are lots of different roles and opportunities here at Google! And as previous answers mentioned, the most useful resources should be the Google official websites, which list detailed requirements for each role, and different resources to help you prepare (like technical interview guides, recruiting process, etc.). If you are interested in technical position like software engineer, my experience may help a little bit.

I started learning CS about a year ago, and got the software engineering intern opportunity at Google this summer. And I really enjoyed working here! So I'd like to say it might not that hard as long as you are really interested in CS field and take efforts to learn. My experience is that pursuing a degree in CS and learn CS in a systematic way benefits me much more than just taking programming classes on line and learning by myself. And it prepares me to be a software engineer much quicker.

In terms of preparing for the technical interview, I also recommend to practice the data structure and algorithm questions. That is essential to get the software engineering positions in most technical companies, not just Google.

Hope that helps!

Dear Kristyn,

My personal experience is too that Google is a fabulous place to work. It is a lot of fun and exciting. I feel very fortunate to work on software used by millions, but even more fortunate to work with great people and great environment. Working here definitely expands one's technical knowledge considerably, regardless of one's previous experience. Parts of your question may be answered by the website http://www.google.com/about/careers/how-we-hire.

Given your question, I am guessing you are interested in some software engineering position. I do not know exactly what it takes to get noticed by recruiters at Google, though there seems to be some information in the aforementioned website. In a resume, it may be worthwhile including any non-coursework software projects one may have done in addition to the projects you have done otherwise. I am guessing having good grades from a strong computer science program (e.g. MIT) and great recommendation letters can only increase your chances. Again, I am guessing here. I was recruited - I never applied - so I am not sure what they saw. I am guessing they looked at my LinkedIn page, but I am not sure. If that was the case, it makes sense to have your LinkedIn page complete and updated.

For the technical interview, it is important to know one major language, such as Java, C++, or Python very fluently as well as the fundamentals of data structures and algorithms. There are plenty of technical interview questions out there on the web. I practiced by solving a lot of them.

I hope this helps. Best wishes!

Hi, Kristyn!

In my personal experience, Google has been a wonderful place to work. There are a lot of different resources online that can help point you in the right direction if you're interested in joining us one day!

I think the best place to start would be to look online at google . com / students (but type that in without the spaces). That site lists all of the resources, including programs and internship opportunities, that our company offers. You can also get a better sense of what we look for when we bring people in to join our organization.

Good luck! Hope to see you here one day!