The interview also touched on Google’s famously rigorous interview process, but Pichai’s advice suggests that demonstrating strong technical expertise and a passion for growth are central to landing a job at the tech giant.
During a recent appearance on The David Rubenstein Show: Peer to Peer Conversations, Sundar Pichai, CEO of Alphabet and Google, discussed what the tech giant looks for in entry-level job seekers. When asked by Rubenstein what qualities Google seeks in potential candidates, Pichai provided a simple yet telling answer: the company is on the lookout for “superstar software engineers.” Pichai elaborated that while the specifics vary depending on the role, particularly for engineering positions, Google prioritizes candidates who are exceptional programmers with a deep understanding of computer science.
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In the interview recorded in New York, American businessman Rubenstein asks, “If somebody wants to get a job, somebody is watching this and says I want to work at Google. What are you looking for?” He continues by suggesting, “High IQs, high work quotient,” while noting that the company is known for its “very complicated inner interview process”.
“What’s the best way to get a job here for an entry-level person?” Rubenstein asks again. Pichai says that it depends on a case-to-case basis. “If you’re in engineering, we are looking for really good programmers, people who understand computer science well and you know, can be dynamically willing to learn and grow, apply themselves into new situations and do well,” Pichai explains.
He emphasized the importance of adaptability, highlighting that the ability to learn, grow, and apply skills in dynamic situations is key to success at the company. Pichai’s own journey from product manager in 2004 to the CEO role underlines the company’s focus on talent and continuous learning.
The interview also touched on Google’s famously rigorous interview process, but Pichai’s advice suggests that demonstrating strong technical expertise and a passion for growth are central to landing a job at the tech giant.
Why Google offers free meals to employees?
Rubenstein brought up Google’s well-known policy of providing free food to its employees, mentioning that he had the opportunity to enjoy a meal at Google on the day of the recording, which he praised as “very good.” He then asked Sundar Pichai how Google justifies the cost of providing free meals and whether it leads to higher productivity, and questioned why other companies might not adopt the same approach.
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Pichai responded by explaining that Google’s free food policy, along with other perks, has become a standard part of the modern workplace in Silicon Valley, particularly in the Bay Area. He said that Google values in-person collaboration and that shared spaces like cafes play a significant role in fostering creativity and community within the company.
“In technology, if you go to the Bay Area, I think a set of things which Google has done as part of the now standard modern workplace in the Bay Area.”
Pichai reflected on his own early days at Google, recalling how spontaneous conversations in cafes would often lead to exciting new ideas and collaborations. According to him, the creative energy and sense of community generated by such interactions far outweigh the costs of providing free meals, making it a worthwhile investment for Google.
“But people value in-person collaboration to us. I can recall several times when I was working at Google early on, being in cafes, meeting someone else, talking, and getting excited about something, so it sparks creativity. It creates community and I think the benefit that comes out of it far dwarfs the costs associated with it,” he added.
