12 Strategies to maximise your chances of getting Google internship

In today’s fast-paced tech landscape, securing an internship at Google has become a coveted milestone for many aspiring professionals. With access to cutting-edge technology, opportunities for growth, and the chance to work alongside some of the brightest minds in the industry, it’s no wonder that competition for these positions is fierce. However, with the right approach and a touch of ingenuity, you can increase your chances of standing out from the crowd and landing that life-changing internship.

In this post, we have compiled a collection of highly-powerful approaches tailored to assist you in optimizing your potential for success as you seek a Google internship. Venturing beyond the typical recommendations available, these practical approaches present a new outlook on navigating the application process and effectively setting yourself apart as an exceptional candidate. Join us as we explore these game-changing approaches and set you on the path to a rewarding experience at Google.

1. Research and Network with Current Google Interns and Employees

While networking is a common strategy, you can take it a step further by focusing on connecting with current Google interns and employees. Use social media platforms like LinkedIn to reach out to them and request informational interviews. Ask about their experiences, challenges, and successes during their internship. By gaining first-hand insights into the company culture and expectations, you can tailor your application and interview responses accordingly.

Action to take: Connect with Google interns and employees on LinkedIn by sending personalized connection requests, and request informational interviews by reaching out via direct message to ask about their experiences.

2. Showcase Your Passion for Google’s Lesser-Known Products or Initiatives

Google is more than just search engines and Android. The tech giant is constantly launching new products and initiatives. By showcasing your passion for one of these lesser-known areas, you demonstrate your commitment to staying informed about the company’s latest developments. Research the specific department you’re applying to and explore their recent projects. Discuss how you can contribute to these initiatives in your application or interview.

Action to take: Research lesser-known Google products or initiatives by browsing Google’s official blogs and news releases, and mention them in your application by explaining your interest and potential contributions.

3. Volunteer for Google-Related Open Source Projects

Google actively supports and contributes to various open-source projects. By volunteering and contributing to these projects, you demonstrate your technical prowess, commitment to collaboration, and passion for Google’s ethos. Include these experiences in your resume and highlight your accomplishments during the application process.

Action to take: Contribute to Google-related open-source projects by exploring their GitHub repositories, selecting a project that aligns with your skills, and making meaningful contributions that you can add to your resume.

4. Develop a Personal Project Using Google Technologies

Showcase your enthusiasm and technical aptitude by developing a personal project using Google technologies, such as TensorFlow or Firebase. This will give you hands-on experience with Google’s tools and platforms, making you a more attractive candidate. Include a link to your project in your application and discuss how it aligns with Google’s vision and values.

Action to take: Create a personal project using Google technologies by selecting a suitable platform (e.g., TensorFlow, Firebase), developing an innovative solution, and including a link to your project in your application.

5. Demonstrate a Growth Mindset and Adaptability

Google values individuals who are adaptable and committed to continuous learning. In your application, highlight instances where you’ve embraced change, learned from setbacks, or mastered new skills quickly. During interviews, showcase your ability to think critically, solve problems creatively, and learn from mistakes.

Action to take: Reflect on instances where you demonstrated a growth mindset and adaptability by considering past challenges or setbacks, and share them in your application and interviews using concise, compelling narratives.

6. Create a Personalized Video Resume

Stand out from the competition by creating a personalized video resume. In the video, explain why you’re passionate about interning at Google and how your skills and experiences align with the company’s values. Keep it concise, engaging, and professional. Share the video on your social media profiles and include a link in your application.

Action to take: Produce a professional video resume by scripting a brief introduction of yourself, your passion for Google, and your relevant skills, then film, edit, and upload the video to your social media profiles and add a link to your application.

7. Participate in Google-Sponsored Competitions and Events

Google hosts numerous competitions and events, such as Google Code Jam, Google Summer of Code, and Google Cloud Next. By participating in these events, you demonstrate your passion for technology and commitment to personal growth. Additionally, you’ll have the opportunity to network with Google employees and potentially catch the eye of recruiters.

Action to take: Register for and participate in Google-sponsored competitions and events by visiting their official websites, signing up for upcoming events, and actively engaging in challenges or networking opportunities.

8. Leverage Unconventional Skills and Experiences

Think beyond your technical expertise and consider unconventional skills or experiences that could set you apart. This could be anything from fluency in multiple languages to a background in competitive sports or experience working with non-profits. Emphasize how these unique skills could contribute to Google’s mission and culture.

Action to take: Identify unconventional skills or experiences by reviewing your background for unique attributes or accomplishments, and incorporate them into your application materials by highlighting their relevance to Google’s mission and culture.

9. Cultivate a Strong Online Presence and Personal Brand

Google is known for its extensive research on candidates, so make sure your online presence reflects your passion, skills, and commitment to the tech industry. Create a professional website or blog, maintain an up-to-date LinkedIn profile, and consider engaging on platforms like Twitter or GitHub. By curating a strong personal brand, you’ll not only impress recruiters but also potentially attract the attention of Google employees or hiring managers.

Action to take: Develop a professional online presence and personal brand by creating a website or blog to showcase your work, maintaining an up-to-date LinkedIn profile, and engaging on relevant platforms like Twitter or GitHub.

10. Seek Out Mentorship from Google Alumni

Many former Google interns and employees are willing to share their insights and experiences with aspiring interns. Reach out to Google alumni through your personal or professional network and seek their guidance on how to maximize your chances of success. They can provide valuable advice on navigating the application process, preparing for interviews, and making the most of your internship experience.

Note: This strategy differs from the first strategy as it advises connecting with Google interns and employees on LinkedIn and requesting informational interviews to gain insights into their experiences with the company. Conversely, this strategy suggests reaching out to Google alums for mentorship and advice to gain guidance from those who have already been through the Google internship process. While both of them involve networking and seeking advice from others, the specific approaches and target audiences are different.

Action to take: Reach out to Google alumni for mentorship and advice by leveraging your personal or professional network, sending personalized messages to request guidance, and scheduling virtual or in-person meetings to discuss your goals and aspirations.

11. Develop a Deep Understanding of Google’s Culture and Values

Google places a strong emphasis on its unique culture and values, which include collaboration, innovation, and diversity. Familiarize yourself with these values and integrate them into your application materials, interviews, and interactions with Google employees. By demonstrating a deep understanding of the company’s culture, you show that you’re a good fit for the organization.

Action to take: Study Google’s culture and values by visiting their official website and reviewing articles or videos on their work environment, and integrate them into your application and interviews by demonstrating how your skills and experiences align with these values.

12. Master the Art of Storytelling

During interviews, Google recruiters often ask behavioral questions to gauge your problem-solving abilities, communication skills, and adaptability. To effectively answer these questions, practice the art of storytelling. Use the STAR (Situation, Task, Action, Result) method to structure your responses and share compelling stories that showcase your skills and accomplishments. By presenting your experiences in a clear and engaging manner, you’ll leave a lasting impression on your interviewers.

Action to take: Practice the STAR method for behavioral interview questions by reviewing common interview scenarios, preparing engaging stories about your experiences using the Situation, Task, Action, Result structure, and rehearsing your responses to ensure clarity and conciseness.