Increasing Chances to Land Google Job with Mock Interviews

Google interviews are exceedingly competitive. Of the 3 million applications the company receives every year, only a handful 2% get shortlisted for an interview, and roughly 0.2% receive a job offer. 

Needless to say, if you hope to land a job at Google, you have a challenging journey ahead. From getting your resume noticed to acing the phone screen, landing an interview — there's work to be done at every turn to showcase your suitability for the role you're targeting.

Then there comes the "Googleyness" factor that Google so strongly values; only candiates who demonstrate Googleyness ever succeed. 

Yep, merely researching Google's products and mission, familiarizing yourself with their interview format, and the questions they ask is not sufficient. 

Perfecting your interviewing skills to actually deliver a tremendous performance takes practice—and that is best done with the help of mock interviews.

Let's look at how mock interviews increase your chances of landing a job at Google. 

Mock interview websites have resume reviewers who have deep insight into what recruiters are looking for in potential candidates. 

They provide actionable feedback on how you can improve the format, content, and wording of your resume. How? By showing you how best you can highlight your most relevant qualifications and skills. 

They also help you tailor your resume to the specific role you are applying for. For instance, if you are targeting a product manager role at Google, they might tell you to highlight any experience you have with data analysis, product design, user research, or product metrics. Or include specific examples of you've managed product development and launch processes. 

They will also tell you about specific key words and phrases that help attract eyeballs. For example, "A/B testing," "product strategy," "roadmap development," etc.

First, let's find out what Googleyness exactly is.

Googleyness is a concept used to describe the distinct culture and values that make up Google. It is a set of traits and characteristics that the company values in potential employees, such as problem-solving, leadership, excellence and a focus on teamwork and collaboration.

For example, if you're applying for a role at Google, recruiters are not just evaluating your qualifications and experience. They also want to determine if you're a good match for their company culture. Are you someone who can think outside the box and come up with innovative ideas? Can you work well in collaboration with other teams and contribute to a positive work environment? Do you possess a hunger to learn, and bring problem-solving skills and leadership excellence to the table?

If the answer to these questions is yes, then you've got the Googleyness they're looking for.

Mock interviews can help you showcase "Googleyness" by allowing you to practise and demonstrate these very characteristics and traits that Google values.

Like Google, a mock interviewer will ask you certain behavioural, technical, culture-fit questions to assess "Googleyness". For instance 

1. Questions about your past experiences that demonstrate problem-solving, leadership, collaboration, or other relevant skills. 

• "Can you give an example of a time when you had to work with a team to solve a difficult problem?"

2. Brainteasers or tricky questions that determine whether you can think out of the box and give insight into your approach towards problem-problem-solving

• "How many golf balls can fit in a school bus?"

3. Questions pertaining to the company's values and culture, your passion, mission, and interest in technology to see how you stay current with the latest developments

• "Can you give an example of a time when you went above and beyond to help a colleague or customer?"
• "Why do you want to work for Google?

By practising them at mock interviews, you will get better clarity of the questions that may be asked and learn how to project Googleyness for the role.. 

Your mock interviewer will evaluate your problem-solving skills, critical thinking, and clear communication abilities. They'll provide feedback on your performance, and help increase your confidence and preparedness for the actual interview.

Mock interviews help you identify and overcome any weaknesses that can impact your interview success. From your domain knowledge, coding skills, to communication, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills, you can expect actionable feedback across every aspect to showcase yourself in the best light. 

Let's say you are interviewing for an Engineering Manager role at Google (a highly rigorous and competitive position) and you pick an ex Engineering Manager at Google to practice your upcoming interview for best results. Here are some key outcomes you can expect:

• A mock interviewer will assess your technical knowledge and innovative skills through domain-specific and brain teaser questions and provide insight on how well you demonstrate out-of-the-box thinking and domain knowledge. Since you will be practicing with a domain expert in your target role, you can rely on their advice and experience to steer you in the right direction.
• They will ask you behavioral and situational questions, so you can showcase your leadership and management skills. For example, 
  - How do you handle conflicts within a team?
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• They will also provide feedback on your communication skills, and help you clearly and effectively articulate your qualifications and experience with evidence and past experiences. 

Conclusion

Mock interviews are an excellent exercise to undertake right after your interview preparation is complete, and well in advance of your real interview.

It is your best bet to master your interview skills and demonstrate your suitability to Google with aplomb!