Ask any aspiring intern about their dream company and the answer is most likely to be ‘Google’. And why not? We are talking about one of the biggest companies in the world. A company with internship perks so amazing that it makes the salary of many top professionals look like loose change. And most of the current employees of Google are ex-interns means there are high chances of you getting a pre-placement offer. With a probable future that looks so lucrative, it is natural that Google receives thousands of internship application every year and hire hundreds of interns. The competition is tough but is rewarding enough to entice you to apply for it.
So how can you get an internship at Google?
Well, there is no sure-shot way that can help you get an internship at Google. But there are tips that can increase your chances manifold.
Preparation before applying.
Resume.
Make sure your resume is to-the-point and concise. Google receives thousands of resumes every year and each resume receives an average of 10 seconds only. Therefore, eliminate the UX and tailor your resume as per the internship you are applying for. Highlight the experiences and skills that relate to the position. Experiences can be anything from part-time jobs to the projects you have done. Also, and out keywords from the position and use them in your resume as it increases your chances of getting found.
Additional Projects.
Of course, a top-tier college, and a high GPA give you an edge but your chances get multiplied if you have something additional to showcase. Something that you have done outside the classroom. From starting a simple project to launching your small business, or pursuing a hobby passionately, it can be anything that shows your creativity and the ability to drive things on your own.
Make Your Online Presence Felt.
Spend time building a strong online portfolio. Put your work out on Github or write technical answers on Quora. Involve in a technical discussion on Twitter or LinkedIn. Join groups related to your eld on Facebook and LinkedIn. Having a strong online presence is one of the easiest ways to impress recruiters and get their attention.
Application Process.
Let us have a look at various methods by which you can apply for an internship at Google.
Dig Out The Connections.
Find out people who are working at Google and can refer you there for an internship. If you don’t know anyone personally, you can search on LinkedIn for Googlers and message them for help. You can check your college alumni group and people ex-students who are working with Google. Most definitely you can nd someone via a mutual friend and gets introduced/referred to Google.
If you are lucky, a referral can get you past the resume screening process. However, there will be still a profile review followed by interviews before you get selected.
Apply Online.
You can apply online via the Google Internship portal and upload the resume. The cover letter and the resume should be impressive enough to take you to the next stage.
Through College Campus.
If you are lucky enough to get a seat in one of the top universities in the country, then getting a summer internship with Google would be a lot easier for you. Check with your placement department to find if your university is registered with Google. If yes, apply for an internship through the college placement cell.
Google Summer of Code.
This is not really an internship program but is a global program sponsored by Google where students work on projects with mentorship companies selected by Google. This is a completely Work From Home gig that is handled by Google.
Preparing for the Interviews.
Nothing helps you better in an interview than actually knowing the stuff. Read as much as you can about the position you are applying for. Check out different sites for some practice interview questions and practice problem-solving. You can make a group of your friend circle and practise mock interviews. There are high chances that you are going to have a phone interview. Therefore, set up a location that is quiet and receives the proper mobile network. Inform everyone in the home to be quiet before the interview begins.
Be Yourself during the Interview.
While technical knowledge is very important, the interviewer is also assessing if you will be a cultural fit in the company. Be yourself and speak your heart out during the interview. If you are too conscious, it will reflect in your voice. Ask questions wherever applicable to show you want to know more about the company and are genuinely interested in working for Google. It helps to be very specific about what you would like to do. Many interviewers prefer hiring people who specifically want to work on the given ‘niche’ and have listed it on their resume as well as the questionnaire.
Once there, the rest of the process is usually similar to other internships. However, given the huge number of applications Google receives sometimes it may take 2- 3 months before Google reaches out to you. Don’t get discouraged if you haven’t heard from them in the first 2 weeks.