Interviewing for Googleyness at Google

In this video I explain Google’s 10 Things (Core Values / Leadership Principles) and some insight into Google’s structured hiring process - for the behavioral part in particular. Contains screenshots with examples and advice.

It is structured in 4 parts:
A. Mission & Ten things we know to be true (Google’s 10 Core Values / Leadership Principles)
1. Focus on the user and all else will follow.
2. It’s best to do one thing really, really well.
3. Fast is better than slow.
4. Democracy on the web works
5. You don’t need to be at your desk to need an answer.
6. You can make money without doing evil.
7. There’s always more information out there.
8. The need for information crosses all borders.
9. You can be serious without a suit.
10. Great just isn’t good enough.

B. Two most important things in a recruit, behavioral questions and how to prepare (STAR method)
Googleyness. The first thing they measure here is cognitive ability, for example, they’ll ask you: Tell me about a tough problem you solved, how did you solve me, walk me through it.

reparation: 5 stories (full story + shortened into: situation, task, actions, result) + 3 x answers to 20 most common behavioral questions - examples in the video

But one more highlight here in terms of leadership - or at least one more interesting keyword - is emergent leadership. I noticed various Google HR leaders referincing it throughout the years; whta does this mean: it’s essentially your ability to step in when there is a peoblem and step out when they are no linger needed. Would be great if you could also make this stand out in one of your prepared stories.

C. Supercharge your resume with some tips;
Read your CV in 6 seconds. Official advice on structure and more.
And last but not least, and this should go without saying, typos in your resume won’t probably disqualify you, but you can be sure they will have a negative impact, so be sure you triple check it and ideally as a friend to review it for you.
D. Best way to pass the screening round; hiring process
Referrals. Apply through their jobs website. Google’s jobs website is between the very best. Google’s structured hiring is particularly efficient at creating a great applicant experience

Sources and interesting reads:

[monicasinha]

Extremely structured, informative and insightful video. Thanks Dan for compiling this video.

[julianaceansah]

Highly valuable, appreciate the preparation approach and structure shared. Get deep into the details, context and be concise.

[gluw]

Thanks for this video Dan. Very helpful

[eon]

Got an interview in a few days. I've been through the Amazon job interview process. I wonder if they are the same.

[nandini.nelson]

Thanks Dan, it’s really informative video.

[Maulmota]

Very helpful, thank you for the video!

[smaire]

Thank you so much for this video! Really helped with my interview 👍

[garrettguitar]

How do I build my first story? Is there a worksheet or? I'm pretty sure that if I just watch this video and then go into the interview I'm not gonna be ready. I have to prepare something…

I've had a long a disastrous career.

[gteixeira]

They just want to know your citizenship. The rest is easy.