Introduction
Google LLC is a US-based multinational technology business with an emphasis on search engine technology, cloud computing, e-commerce, and much more that provides an excellent work environment for its staff. Google employees boast of their wonderful work culture and ethics and they coined a word for it which is ‘Googleyness’.
What is Googleyness?
Googleyness is not just a word. One should carefully examine the following attributes while contemplating Googleyness -Strong standards, Amiable, Considerate, Devoted, Dependable, Helping, Loyalty, Fun-Loving, Courteous, Caring, Passionate, Lively, Dynamic, and Intelligence in Emotions, Positive, Friendly, Team Player, Transparent, Learner, Respect for Oneself and Others.
Principles of Googleyness
1. Acting morally -That means refraining from doing something that hurts someone else.
2. Aiming for superiority- Being average is not Googley. The natural pursuit of excellence must be at the heart if you want to work at Google.
3. Pay attention to the objectives- Google refers to concentration and finding a happy medium between immediate and long-term goals.
4. Taking initiative-If anything is broken, fix it, according to Google’s ethical guidelines. To be proactive, however, also entails foreseeing potential actions and acting accordingly. Being proactive naturally also relates to the company as a whole—how can we advance, and what can we do to get there? From a different perspective, waiting (beyond reason) on others to take action is what being proactive doesn’t include.
5. Making an extra effort – Consider the following instance: Someone emails you about changing the project. Normally, such updates can be sent via a request management system. One answer is to request that the request be submitted using the specified system. Another, more Google-like approach is for the requester to submit the request themselves and receive a status report as soon as possible. This has a significant impact.
6. Being kind to others without expecting anything in return- Being “google” is doing and thinking about something for others without necessarily anticipating anything in return.
7. Being accessible and polite -Being open and pleasant is something Google is known for, so it makes sense. According to a report, Google employees were once deliberately urged to merely go to lunch with coworkers they didn’t know, talk to them, and get to know them. That sounds very Googley. Similar to this, the most effective managers at Google uphold “open door” principles; being approachable like that is very Google.
8. Respect customers and co-workers -The user should always come first, and similarly, helping a coworker is very Google. To disappoint either would not be Google.
9. Honouring outstanding performance – Hard work is google. However, hard labor and good work should also be rewarded. At Google, awards come in a variety of ways, including compliments, hollers in meetings, endorsing messages to managers, cash, etc.
10. Demonstrating humility and eschewing ego (at least sometimes) – Speaking about accomplishments is acceptable, but bragging is not (which can be a fine line). Considering the customers, the business, the staff, and then oneself is being “google.” Along with it, there is a conviction that everything else, such as awards and promotions, will come after.
How to show Googleyness in the interview?
Googleyness is a feature that distinguishes a Google employee or demonstrates to recruiters that you are the best applicant during a Google interview. Recruiters are interested in hiring individuals who show these qualities so that they can seamlessly absorb into their work culture.
1. Pay attention to your attitude and actions towards others
Being a nice person is the most crucial thing to focus on as Google seeks to recruit staff who are sincere and sympathetic. In the interview, this is apparent in a few different ways. The most likely question may be based on your interactions with those you met in the office like the receptionist or the person serving in the cafe, other individuals you pass in the hallway, and the interviewers themselves. Make sure every interaction you have is respectful, cordial, and constructive and you should highlight how you have acted morally throughout.
2. The usage of language during an interview is crucial
Consider reframing negative phrases like “loss,” “dispute,” and “shortcomings” as “opportunities.”
3. Gender
— Male, Female, or gender-neutral individuals make up every workforce. Therefore, it’s crucial to avoid using the pronoun “he” about programmers, salesmen, or Directors. Switch it up since staying the same sends the wrong message about gender and reduces your chances of success. It shows that you always consider inclusiveness while collaborating with others.
4. Political correctness
— Avoid provoking controversy because it will harm your reputation and lower your Google ranking. Candidates that suit the company’s exceptionally liberal ethos of inclusiveness of all individuals will be sought out throughout the interview.
5. Characteristics such as having fun
— While Google employees put in a lot of effort, they are also playful and like having a good time. Examples include heading to a cafe for lunch with a buddy or taking a break to play a fast game of pool with a coworker. Incorporate humor into your comments and be able to provide these incidents or examples of having a good time throughout the interview.
6. Intellectual modesty
– it is essential since it makes learning challenging if one cannot admit that one may be wrong. In your interviews, academic humility will come across as modesty, a realization of your areas for improvement, a need for others to take the lead, a need for ideas from everyone, and a conviction that those around you have the greatest interests in mind. Our interactions with others will improve if we think positively about what they are doing, and this is crucial. Finally, there should be a consistent emphasis on learnings and how to apply them throughout the interview. Since intellectual humility is about your potential to learn and grow, talking about it will greatly improve your chances of succeeding.
7. A good indicator of diligence
— Have high expectations and never apologize during an interview. Own everything, then discuss your progress. Pay attention to how hard you pushed to improve in that particular area through continuing education, how you worked to get better at listening, or whatever it was.
8. Evidence of your brave or intriguing life choices
– Part of fostering an inclusive atmosphere is appreciating the worth of people from all backgrounds, those who have chosen various professional routes, etc. This could entail picking a non-traditional career path, leaving your secure job to start your own business, or altering your focus or specialized areas in the middle of your career. Whatever it may be, focus on how it has helped you prosper and how it will help you if you have the opportunity to be employed at Google to provide a unique or exciting viewpoint.
9. Skills in collaborating both on a team and individually
-Focusing on what you accomplished while constantly thanking and praising people that helped you succeed demonstrates this. Whether they are partners, suppliers, or other sorts of stakeholders, you should always emphasize the strengths of your team. Don’t forget to discuss the lessons you learned from working with others and how they aided your personal growth and development.
10. Ability to assist others
– it is a key component of Googleyness, whether you are applying for a position as an independent consultant or in people management. This could be a work-related or private issue. Be sure to highlight how you pay heed, express compassion, and have a concern when you give examples of how you have helped others, as well as what you have learned as a result. Throughout their professions, people experience life’s events.
11. Dealing with uncertainty
– Googleyness is about appreciating and enjoying the uncharted. Your ability to solve problems with very little information will be put to the test in the interviews. . You must respond to questions that delve into this new zone with positivity and humor. Two strategies for overcoming some of the vagueness in the interviews are to make the interaction more casual and offer questions for clarification. Include gaps and time for the interviewer to speak, and remain connected with them throughout your response.
12. Showing yourself to step outside of your comfort zone to advance
-Most frequently, this manifests as taking on tasks outside of your primary area of responsibility, mentoring and leading people, engaging in difficult conversations, and pushing yourself when it is difficult. For your interview, be prepared with excellent examples of times when you have carried out these actions.
If you are taking courses related to computer skills to better perform at your job or read a book on leadership to manage people better, for example, this might also be about growth connected to the role outside of work. Last but not least, the recruiter will be keenly observing whether you show signs of development during the interview.
13. Strong emotional intelligence
-In order to relieve stress, communicate successfully, sympathize with others, overcome obstacles, and diffuse conflict, it is important to be able to understand, use, and control your own emotions.
If you want to work for Google, you need to show googleyness in all of your conversations, and the interviewer will judge you on this.
Conclusion
Google’s work culture incorporates the outstanding attribute known as “Googleyness,” and they are looking to hire people that exhibit this trait. Googleyness undoubtedly creates an environment where employees may work to the best of their abilities while enjoying themselves and improving themselves as people in the process.