When it comes to dream jobs, Google is at the top of the list for many. Known for its innovative culture, cool perks (nap pods and bowling alleys, anyone?) and cutting-edge tech, it’s no surprise that Google’s hiring process is designed to find people who can bring something special to the table.
The phrase “I work at Google” rolls off the tongue with a certain allure, and the salaries are pretty good too. But how does one land that coveted Google internship or job?
How hard is it to get a job at Google?
Pretty hard. Landing a job at Google isn’t just about meeting qualifications. With over 2 million job applications received annually, Google hires only about 4,000 people each year. That makes the odds about 0.2%. Google’s hiring process is famously long and challenging, with multiple stages designed to assess both technical and interpersonal skills.
Google’s hiring process
If you’re up for the challenge, here’s some advice from Google Careers with a breakdown of what to expect when applying:
Craft a tailored resume
Start with a blank document for each job you apply to. Align your skills with the job description, highlight specific projects, and use metrics to show your impact. Keep it concise—Google values precision over length.
Use Google’s career tool
Once you’ve got your resume ready, use Google’s career search tool to find the right roles. Remember, you can apply for up to three jobs every 30 days, so make sure they count. Keep in mind that if you don’t make it to the interview phase, it just might be a matter of timing, so keep applying to similar roles in the future.
Prepare for the interview phase
Take into account that interviews are different depending on each role. This is what the interview phase of Google’s hiring process looks like:
- Assessments: For some roles, you may be asked to take the Google Hiring Assessment, which measures your work style and role-specific skills. Other assessments, like coding exercises, might be required based on the position.
- Pre-interviews: You’ll typically have a couple of short virtual chats with a recruiter and a team member. These help Google assess if you’d be a good fit for the team.
- Project work: For certain roles, you may need to complete a small project, such as a case study or coding task. Don’t worry—it’s meant to showcase how you approach problems, and they won’t spring it on you without warning.
- Interviews: If you make it this far, expect 3-4 interviews in one day. They’ll be thorough but friendly, designed to assess your problem-solving abilities and fit with the team. Google uses structured rubrics and asks open-ended questions, ensuring a fair evaluation of every candidate.
So why not go for it? You never know until you try. Want to know how Keti, a student from IE University, secured an internship at Google? We’ve interviewed her to find out how she landed the internship, what the application process was like and how she faced different obstacles.
One of our students got an internship at Google. Here’s how she did it:
Every year, Google recruits student interns from all over the world to find practical solutions to a specific challenge. Our Bachelor in Computer Science and Artificial Intelligence student Keti Sulamanidze saw the opportunity and took it, applying for a Google internship at their Warsaw office.
But her relationship with Google began before her university years. “My interaction with Google started in high school,” she recalls, reflecting on her participation in competitive programming events like Google Code Jam. This is where Keti caught the attention of a Google recruiter just as she was about to start college.
During her time at IE University, she founded the IE Google Developer Student Club, leading a community of tech enthusiasts through a series of exciting projects, events and sustainability-driven tech challenges.
“I applied for Google after getting in touch with an IE University alumni who was working there. She referred me, which helped me land this opportunity.” By the end of her second year, Keti had secured an internship with Google—a stepping stone for her future career.
Navigating the application process
When asked about the application process, Keti pointed out that it’s more about mastering the basics than impressing with big projects. “For the Google Step internship, which is designed for early-year college students, the main focus was on data structures and algorithms.” Armed with a solid foundation in problem-solving, her university transcript and a strong referral, she advanced to the interview stage. This consisted of two technical interviews focusing on algorithmic challenges—”similar to what you’d find on coding platforms like LeetCode or Codeforces.”
Once she passed the interviews, the next step was matching with a team at Google, which turned out to be a smooth process for her.
“If I had to describe Google’s work environment in three words, I’d choose: collaborative, productive and fun.”
What was the office culture like at Google?
“Google has the best work-life balance out of everywhere I’ve worked.” The collaborative atmosphere especially stood out to her: “It’s fun to debug and solve issues as a team. You’re learning, but it feels like a group activity.”
Keti’s project involved “investigating the feasibility of semantically clustering API responses.” Her day-to-day responsibilities varied, but Google’s structured environment ensured she stayed on track. “I usually started at around 9 or 10am, had breakfast at the office, and then focused on my tasks for the day.” Regular check-ins with her manager helped guide her work, and she managed her projects with a focus on deliverables.
“Staying curious and constantly experimenting with new technologies has been key to my growth.”
Advice for aspiring developers
Keti’s advice for those looking to land a role at a company like Google is to stay curious. “Whenever I hear about new technology, I immediately test it out.” Her curiosity drives her to go beyond the basics, pushing her to explore new ideas and solutions. “It’s not just about coding—it’s about enjoying the process of discovery.”
For IE students, Keti recommends engaging with IE Talent & Careers. They provide students with career advice and resources, hold mock interviews and offer support through application processes. The team also organizes networking opportunities with IE Alumni currently working at top companies. “These connections were invaluable as they provided me with firsthand insights into the company culture and the application process itself.”
Landing a job at Google is no easy feat, but with the right preparation, persistence and passion for learning, it’s within reach. Whether you’re interested in a technical role or something more business-focused, the key is to stay curious, be adaptable and build strong networks along the way. So why not give it a try? You might just land your dream internship at Google, just like Keti did.