The Google Resume

1. Master the art of résumé crafting to stand out in the tech industry

"A good résumé clearly highlights a candidate's relevant skills. It must present the candidate in the best possible light because, after all, it is one's first chance to persuade the reader that she is the best candidate for the job."

Highlight accomplishments, not responsibilities. Your résumé should be a collection of your most impressive achievements, quantified whenever possible. Use action verbs and focus on results, not just duties. For example, instead of "Analyzed new markets," write "Led entrance strategy for Foobar product in China, resulting in a 7% increase in profits."

Tailor your résumé to the job. Customize your résumé for each position, emphasizing the skills and experiences most relevant to that specific role. Research the company and position to understand what they're looking for, and adjust your résumé accordingly.

Keep it concise and well-structured. Limit your résumé to one page if you have less than 10 years of experience. Use a clean, professional format with consistent styling. Include sections for:

• Contact information
• Summary or objective statement (if necessary)
• Work experience
• Education
• Skills
• Projects (especially for software engineering positions)

2. Leverage networking and personal connections to land interviews

"Personal referrals are, hands down, the best way to get a job. Not only will a company be more likely to consider someone who's been referred, but you'll also be more likely to find a position that matches your skills and interests. It's a win-win."

Build and maintain your network. Actively cultivate relationships with professionals in your field:

• Attend industry events and meetups
• Engage in online communities and forums
• Connect with alumni from your school
• Participate in hackathons or open-source projects

Utilize social media strategically. LinkedIn is crucial for professional networking, but don't overlook other platforms:

• Share industry-related content on Twitter
• Join relevant Facebook groups
• Contribute to discussions on platforms like Reddit or Stack Overflow

Seek informational interviews. Reach out to professionals in roles or companies you're interested in. Ask for 15-30 minutes of their time to learn about their experiences. This can often lead to job opportunities or referrals down the line.

3. Prepare strategically for behavioral and technical interviews

"Interviews are supposed to be difficult. If you don't get every—or any—answer immediately, that's OK! In fact, in my experience, maybe only 10 people out of the 150+ that I've interviewed have gotten the algorithm right instantly, and all but one of them made later mistakes on the coding."

Master common interview types:

• Behavioral: Prepare stories using the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result)
• Technical: Practice coding on a whiteboard and explaining your thought process
• System design: Learn to discuss trade-offs and scalability issues
• Brain teasers: Focus on your problem-solving approach, not just the answer

Create a preparation grid. Organize your experiences and projects into a grid, with columns for each project and rows for common interview questions (e.g., challenges faced, lessons learned, conflicts resolved). This helps you quickly recall relevant examples during interviews.

Practice, practice, practice. Conduct mock interviews with friends or use online platforms. Focus on:

• Communicating clearly and concisely
• Asking clarifying questions before solving problems
• Thinking out loud to demonstrate your problem-solving process
• Handling criticism and feedback gracefully

4. Navigate the offer negotiation process with confidence

"Even if you don't intend to have some massive blowout quitting ceremony, your departure is still likely to be a sensitive time, and it's all too easy to burn bridges. It's too small a world out there to do that; you may need your coworkers for references, or you might even end up working with them down the road."

Understand the full compensation package. Look beyond just the salary:

• Base salary
• Signing bonus
• Stock options or grants
• Annual bonus potential
• 401(k) matching
• Health insurance and other benefits
• Vacation time and work-life balance policies

Research market rates. Use websites like Glassdoor and PayScale, but also leverage your network to understand what's typical for your role and experience level in that specific company and location.

Negotiate professionally. When discussing the offer:

• Express enthusiasm for the role and company
• Present your case based on your value and market data, not personal needs
• Be willing to compromise on some elements to gain in others
• Get everything in writing once agreed upon

5. Excel in your new role and plan your long-term career trajectory

"To position yourself in the best possible way, look for teams that will give you responsibilities beyond your actual job description, and even beyond your level of responsibility."

Make a strong first impression. In your first few months:

• Build relationships with your team and cross-functional partners
• Understand the company's goals and how your role contributes
• Seek out a mentor within the organization
• Take initiative on projects that align with company priorities

Continuously learn and grow. Stay ahead in your field:

• Keep up with industry trends and new technologies
• Attend conferences and workshops
• Take on challenging projects that stretch your skills
• Consider pursuing relevant certifications

Plan your career path. Regularly reassess your goals:

• Define short-term (1-2 years) and long-term (5+ years) career objectives
• Identify skills and experiences needed to reach those goals
• Discuss your aspirations with your manager and seek opportunities for growth
• Be open to lateral moves that broaden your skill set

6. Understand the unique culture and demands of the gaming industry

"You are expected to be full-seat-in, working 10 to 12 hours per day, plus the weekends when necessary."

Embrace the fast-paced environment. The gaming industry is known for:

• Rapid development cycles, especially in mobile and casual gaming
• High-pressure deadlines and frequent "crunch" periods
• Constant adaptation to new technologies and player preferences

Develop a diverse skill set. Success in gaming often requires:

• Technical expertise in game engines and programming languages
• Creative problem-solving and design thinking
• Understanding of player psychology and engagement metrics
• Ability to work collaboratively in cross-functional teams

Balance passion with practicality. While the industry attracts many passionate gamers:

• Be prepared for long hours and potentially lower pay than other tech sectors
• Understand the cyclical nature of game development and potential job instability
• Consider starting in QA or customer support roles to get a foot in the door

7. Know when and how to transition between jobs or return to school

"Technology companies especially are filled with people like this. Companies like Microsoft and Google are such great places to work that it's easy to lose sight of where you're going—and it's even easier to not want to jump ship."

Recognize signs it's time to move on:

• Lack of growth or learning opportunities
• Misalignment with company values or direction
• Desire for a significant career change or advancement
• Unhealthy work environment or poor work-life balance

Evaluate the pros and cons of further education:

• Consider the true cost, including lost wages and career progression
• Assess whether the degree will provide tangible benefits in your field
• Explore part-time or online options that allow you to continue working

Leave professionally and gracefully:

• Give appropriate notice (typically two weeks minimum)
• Document your work and train your replacement if possible
• Maintain positive relationships with colleagues and supervisors
• Be prepared for an immediate departure if moving to a competitor

Last updated: September 22, 2024