How to Write a Resume for Google, According to a Googler

How to Write a Resume for Google, According to a Googler

For many, joining Google or another big technology company like Microsoft or Meta is the peak of their career. Rani Pallavi Mohapatra, a current Google professional, shares her story and her recommendations about how to write a resume for Google.

How I got my job at Google

One dull evening, I had a Google recruiter email me directly. I do not check my personal email daily and enjoy muting notifications on personal devices, so the email sat in my inbox unopened for about two or three days. Finally, when I did open it, I assumed it to be a phishing scam. (In my defense, it was right before the Great Resignation, and I had not applied anywhere).

I ignored it for four more days until another recruiter messaged me on LinkedIn. Only then did I wake up to process that something was happening. It’s a hilarious start but demonstrates the importance of maintaining a strong and up-to-date LinkedIn profile.

How to write a resume for Google

The short answer: “Keywords.”

Start with an all-purpose resume. Write it in chronological order and ensure it helps tell your professional journey over your career.

Step 1: Understand the job description

Read the job description thoroughly once you have shortlisted your preferred roles at Google. Underline important phrases and keywords. Comb through every section of the job description: minimum qualifications, preferred qualifications, responsibilities, and any other details about the job.

Step 2: Optimize your resume based on keywords

While you may feel like you are a great fit for the role and your current resume works well, consider refreshing or rephrasing your resume. Try these tips:

  • Mirror job titles: If you are applying to become a strategic cloud engineer, and your previous company’s internal terminology for a similar role was application developer or architect, change your resume to match Google’s expectations. You can use a slash approach: architect/cloud engineer.
  • Use phrases from the job description: Update how you describe your responsibilities at past jobs with how Google describes them.
  • Include any technologies and tools from the job description on your resume: If you have used any of the technologies or tools listed in the job description, state them explicitly if you have the experience.
  • Don’t forget about soft skills: Job descriptions don’t include only technical skills. Mirror the language included in the job descriptions as-is to explain your past professional contributions.

Step 3: Include relevant headlines

Recruiters are busy, and you want your resume to stand out. Headlines stand out and can help your resume get shortlisted.

If you are applying for a technical program manager role, and your past experience meets the expectations, don’t forget to put that keyword as a top headline on your LinkedIn profile and resume. Avoid using terms that might be specific to your past organizations.

Step 4: Avoid irrelevant details

Eliminate noise on your resume. A good way to start is by making your past educational details shorter. For many experienced professionals, it isn’t necessary to include your coursework or grades.

Step 5: Find your “X factor.”

Amplify the impact on your resume with any extracurricular work or community involvement. Ask yourself:

  • Do you write technical blogs or white papers?
  • Have you contributed to open-source communities?
  • Have you volunteered?
  • Do you have any patents?
  • Have you authored or contributed to any publications?
  • Are you involved in any diversity, equity or inclusion causes?

The bottom line

Tailor your resume for every role and ensure it mirrors the job description’s language and domain expectations. You can apply for three positions at Google at any given time within a rolling 30-day period. Good luck!

This article was lightly edited and republished from HackerNoon with permission.