Getting ready for a job interview can feel overwhelming, but with the right approach, you’ll walk in feeling confident and ready to wow your potential employer.

A key part of preparation is learning about the company and pinpointing the keywords that match the job you’re applying for. This will help you tailor your answers and highlight your top qualities in a way that shows you're exactly what they’re looking for.

Not sure where to start? Here are five simple steps to guide you:

Step 1: Understand the Company’s Mission

To truly prepare for an interview with Google, start by getting familiar with their mission:

Google’s Mission: “To organize the world’s information and make it universally accessible and useful.”

This mission is at the heart of everything Google does, so connecting your skills and values to this purpose is key to making a strong impression.

Step 2: Make a list of keywords.

As you explore their website, blog, and career pages, start compiling a list of keywords and phrases that align with their company culture and goals. Google’s Career Page is a great place to begin—they’re transparent about their hiring process and offer a clear roadmap from self-reflection to crafting your resume.

Your goal is to show Google how your experience and values align with the role and the company. Keep your responses clear and concise to help them see your fit.

As Google suggests on their Career Page:

“Draw a direct line between your passion and our position, let us see who you are a bit.”

Here are some keywords and phrases from Google’s content that you can naturally weave into your interview responses:

• Organization

• Accessible and useful

• Culture

• Equitable and inclusive

• Diversity of perspectives

• Passion

• Fulfilling career

• Distinctiveness

• Variety of backgrounds

• Rewarding

Pick the ones that resonate with your experience and make sure to incorporate them when preparing your answers.

Step 3: Immerse yourself in the Google world.

Dive deeper into Google’s values, culture, and hiring process by exploring these resources:

• Google Interview Tips – Direct advice on preparing for interviews with Google.

• Google Blog – Stay updated on what’s happening at Google and their innovations.

• Life at Google YouTube Channel – Get an inside look at what it’s like to work at Google.

Step 4: Edit and submit your resume.

Make sure your resume clearly reflects the qualities and skills required for the job and includes data. Here’s a tip directly from Google:

The “equation” we suggest goes a little something like this. Accomplished X as measured by Y doing Z.

Here’s an example: “Increased tail wags of Dooglers by 75% over two days by placing dog treats outside of conference rooms.”

Also, be specific and concise. Although Google does not have a length restriction, resumes are usually and ideally one page.

Bonus Tip: While you’re working on your resume, you should also update and optimize your LinkedIn profile.

Step 5: Prepare and practice for your interview.

Make a list of common questions and prepare your answers in a Google or Word Doc so that you can easily refer to them during your interview.

Here are some great resources for interview questions:

• Using the STAR Method for Behavioral Interview Questions

• Interviewing at Google: best practices, advice, and tips

• Top 30 Google Interview Questions (Example Answers Included)

• The Top 32 Google Interview Questions (With Sample Answers)

• Top 20+ Google Interview Questions and Answers

Keep Learning

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