Software Engineering CareerJul 27, 2018
ViacomLB516
Google team matching before HC
I am in this process where I have not yet gone to HC but am in team matching. Assuming I get a good recommend from a HM what are the chances of getting passed HC? Recruiter says feed back was "overall good/positive but with few borderline" so I am not sure what that actually means
For the Hiring Committee, the Hiring Manager's recommendation carries zero weight or less. The HM doesn't really interview you and/or provide feedback that is considered strongly by the HC. Internally we call it a "fit call", that is, a meeting where both sides can determine mutual interest or "fit". In fact, a strong candidate can reject a hiring team so the HM is selling the role as much as if not more than the candidate is evincing interest.
So then what is the logic of having a candidate speak to potential teams before they even have been approved yet? The recruiter made it sound like she specifically wanted to have a HM letter / match before going to HC
If no hiring team shows interest, then what is the point of going to HC? Which team would you go to if the HC says hire? It used to be the other way around until they switched it to the current format some time ago. Interestingly, I have heard anecdotally that candidates seem to like this better since there is more certainty in terms of the team, so if you have competing offers that are similar, you can choose a company based on the team. Your interview loop feedback is good for a year so recruiters don't mind waiting until after one or more hiring teams show interest. I'm sorry if this sounds harsh to you but this is often true in case of candidates on the borderline. A near-unanimous "strong hire" will attract more interest from HMs. It is great that you have a team that is interested in you. It doesn't away the HC but at least it keeps the ball rolling forward. Congratulations on making it this far.