My Interview at Google

I sat in the waiting room with one other applicant. He was older than me by about ten years. Judging by our clothes, it was clear that we were taking different approaches to this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.

He dressed professionally. Black suit, white shirt, striped tie. His dress shoes were polished, and their shine matched well with that of his belt buckle.

I dressed casually. Blue jeans. Sneakers. A brown collared sweater that hid the geeky maroon “Computer Wizard” t-shirt that I was using as an undershirt.

I was trying to dress the part. I had heard that Google’s dress code was simply “You must wear clothes,” so I wore something I might wear to the office if I got the job. Sitting across from Mr. Business Suit, I started wondering if I made a huge mistake.

For whatever reason, Mr. Business Suit hadn’t acknowledged my presence since I arrived. He sat cross-legged with a magazine in his lap, half-heartedly thumbing through it without looking up. He kept this up until the Hiring Manager opened the door to the adjacent office and called his name: “Don?”

Don set his magazine down and stood up.

“Good luck,” I said hopefully.

He nodded at me and followed the Hiring Manager out of the room. I took pleasure noticing that the Hiring Manager wore sneakers and jeans.

Now that I was the only applicant left in the room, I started reviewing the materials I brought with me to the interview. In my “Portfolio” (a thin 3-ring binder) I had:

  • Loose copies of my resume
  • How-To Instructions and Screenshots from three of my Open Source Projects
  • Two Letters of Recommendation from previous Employers
  • A Thank You Card that I planned to mail immediately following the interview

I imagined that I had at least ten minutes until the Hiring Manager asked for me. I was therefore surprised when a petite woman entered the room and called my name: “Shaun?”

“Yes?”

“I’m Stacy,” she said, extending her arm.

I stood up, tucked the Portfolio under my arm, and shook her hand.

“Shaun Boyd. How do you do?”

“Just fine, thanks. I have good news for you.”

“Oh? What’s that?”

“Your application has been fast-tracked. I’ll be giving you a quick tour of our facility, and then I’ll introduce you to the team that’s interested in your background.”

“Oh my, that is good news,” I said through a huge smile. “How exciting!”

“Definitely. Follow me.”

As I followed her through the double doors and down the corridor, Stacy filled me in on what being “fast-tracked” meant. She explained that I still needed to be interviewed, but because my application was unanimously selected by an existing project team I was exempt from the first-tier “initial screening” interview. I would start at the second-tier interview, which would be conducted by current members of the team I might be working with. Stacy, a Senior Hiring Manager, would sit in during this interview to see how I interacted with the team members, and to answer any HR questions I might have about the position.

Stacy led me into her office and told me to have a seat. She typed an instant message onto her screen, sent it, and then proceeded to copy and paste the same message to four or five other people. She toggled through the responses for a few minutes before speaking to me again.

“We have almost 30 minutes until the entire team will be available to meet with you. Would you like to join me for some Free Lunch in the cafeteria?”

“Absolutely,” I said.

The cafeteria was intimidating. Nearly every station had at least half-a-dozen Google employees in line for their Free Lunch. Since they were already familiar with the selection and ordering process, they moved around the cafeteria with ease while I stood in place holding an empty tray. Stacy pointed to the different stations, told me the type of cuisine that was served there, and encouraged me to not be shy.

“Everything is always free, tasty, and nutritious,” she said, more or less reciting everything I had heard about Google’s cafeteria verbatim.

I got into the line for Chinese cuisine. I asked for a helping of General Tso’s Chicken over white rice. The chef asked me if I’d like some orange slices to go with my entree, and I said “Yes please!”

I joined Stacy at a round table in the center of the cafeteria. She introduced me to Tom and Anu, two of the team members who would be interviewing me once we finished our lunch. She then busted my chops a little by telling them how I chose to get Free Lunch instead of a tour of the facility, but they said I made the right choice. Anu scolded me for not taking advantage of the Slurpee machine.

Tom asked about the Portfolio I was carrying. I paged through it briefly, and explained that it was basically a detailed addendum to my application. I said that I’d like to show it to the entire team during the interview, if they’d be interested. He gave me the impression that they would be.

Once we finished lunch, we returned our trays and left the cafeteria. The four of us rode the elevator up together and got off on the floor where the meeting with the entire team would take place. I followed Stacy around a corner and through a large wooden door.

I stepped onto the boat and felt disoriented. I suddenly found myself on a sailboat with my father, in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean, rocking violently in a complete mess of a thunderstorm. My dad was signaling for me to grab the lines near the bow, but before I could grab a hold of them a giant wave crashed into the broad side of the boat and knocked me overboard. Right before I hit the surface of the water, I woke up.

I’m jobless in Michigan. For the past month, I’ve been relentlessly applying to and interviewing for various local jobs with little to no success. As of last night, the job hunting process has permeated my subconscious mind to the point where I’m literally dreaming about it.

What I experienced in my dream was so vivid that I felt compelled to share it above. No, it never happened. No, it’s not an accurate representation of the application and interview process at Google. It is, however, more interesting than my recent experiences in the real world.

If I misled you, I’m sorry. I just wanted to take a break from writing cover letters to write something enjoyable. I hope some readers will enjoy reading it as much as I enjoyed writing it.

If you've found this website helpful, please click the PayPal button. You will be helping me pursue my dream career as a writer. Thanks for your support!

181 Responses to “My Interview at Google”

#1 Lodewijk van den Broek on 13, Apr, 2008 at 3:52 am

Hi Shaun,

I really enjoyed reading this. I was quite shocked when you suddenly stepped on the boat…wtf? Totally changed my perception, great writing!

Too bad the job search is not giving the results you want yet. But now it has entered the subconscious mind, maybe you can put it to work for you ๐Ÿ™‚ That dream was very affirming, apart from the boat section that is. Maybe you can write the Google scenario to a successful result, and review that before you go to sleep. Maybe the dream ends favorable then.

If the job interviews in your subconscious mind or dreams are great with good results, that can work as a powerful affirmation.

Good luck! And thanks again, I really enjoyed this post.

#2 Mike on 13, Apr, 2008 at 4:40 am

Great story! I’m going through the interview process right now, and I feel your pain. Good luck and keep your head up.

Mike

#3 Nico B. on 13, Apr, 2008 at 4:50 am

I’ve always hated job hunting, and I was in your shoes a little over two and a half weeks ago…

It might have been misleading, but it was good writing. And with luck, perhaps it will happen that way.

Thanks for the story, and good luck with the hunt.

#4 eydryan on 13, Apr, 2008 at 5:11 am

hehe, it was really nice ๐Ÿ™‚

i was actually researching Google for my Bachelor’s and almost wanted to quote you on this. But it’s really nice, and a bit sad…

it’s very well written, and immerses the reader in the universe quite well. I wish you to get that job at Google, and who knows who’ll read this…

#5 hassan on 13, Apr, 2008 at 5:23 am

it was not a dream .at google they use MIB memory erasers after the interview and you wake up thinking it was all a dream. u ll hear from them soon if they accept you

#6 Bleu Feenix on 13, Apr, 2008 at 5:34 am

Great story, really caught me by surprise… but it is kinda scary considering that I’m about to start college and now you’ve made entering the work force a bigger nightmare

#7 rauno on 13, Apr, 2008 at 9:12 am

as hassan stated, its normal procedure to erase job applicants memories. they do it for the best ones, so youll be receiving an phone call soon.

#8 Pres on 13, Apr, 2008 at 9:53 am

I’ve posted it to Digg. Let’s hope this was a prophetic dream…

#9 Steven Seagull on 13, Apr, 2008 at 10:09 am

Can i sue you for wasting precious stumbling time?

#10 Bubs on 13, Apr, 2008 at 10:39 am

Been going through some of the same things as you the last month. The only thing on my mind right now is jobs, resumes, and cover letters. I find myself also dreaming about interviews but nothing with that much detail. Good luck on the job search

#11 soar on 13, Apr, 2008 at 10:44 am

I have a hard time finding a job too, but probably for completely different reasons than you. I’m 17, wear xxl/xxxl long t-shirts, baggy pants and a nice hat. Can’t forget the air force 1’s. They say dress for the job you want, I dress like I want to be a drug dealer in Harlem. It’s stupid how they judge so quick. I was going to try an experiment and buy normal pants and a normal shirt and see what happens then but I never got around to it. I brought about 10 resumes around and not one call (and that’s just in my girlfriends town). Where I live I brought around 15 and still got no call.

#12 Fooled on 13, Apr, 2008 at 10:55 am

You totally got me. 100% believable. Is this a late April Fools joke?

#13 Lauren on 13, Apr, 2008 at 11:19 am

Hey you tricked me too! I thought maybe the only reason I didn’t hear about your big google interview was because you didn’t want to jinx it! Well, Google is not a bad idea actually… a lot of my friends from Albion got jobs there. Keep your eyes open and try to stay as stress free as possible. We will both find jobs some day soon ๐Ÿ™‚

#14 GaDawg on 13, Apr, 2008 at 11:20 am

Nice story.

I rarely offer unsolicited advice but “Michigan?” Come on dude – if you’re looking for work find an economy that at least has a heartbeat.

Man up and get out of that stink hole of a state – you could be living the dream in less than 6 months in a place where things are growing not withering. Try Austin Texas – you can thank me in 10 years.

#15 Nick Jensen on 13, Apr, 2008 at 11:37 am

Damn, that’s really well written. You totally had me.

#16 r00t3d0ut on 13, Apr, 2008 at 12:03 pm

i loved the story! i was hoping that you got the job because–like you–many of us would just die at the chance of working for google. maybe they’ll see this story and fast-track your resume.

#17 mike on 13, Apr, 2008 at 12:45 pm

Yeah, the job market in michigan sucks balls. :- do you live in ann arbor?

#18 Lalla Mira on 13, Apr, 2008 at 12:57 pm

Interesting read!
Good luck with your job hunting. And think about me recommending me when you get a job at Google’s one day. ๐Ÿ™‚

#19 Cybrspin on 13, Apr, 2008 at 2:06 pm

Great Story, Greater Writing, Even Greater imagination, Thanks for sharing with us ๐Ÿ™‚

#20 Herbalife on 13, Apr, 2008 at 2:17 pm

Great read. Was rooting for you to get the Google gig. ๐Ÿ™

#21 Chance on 13, Apr, 2008 at 3:16 pm

I wish you all the luck in the world with your job search.

Last paragraph: “mislead” should read “misled.” Past tense.

#22 Shaun Boyd on 13, Apr, 2008 at 3:59 pm

@Everyone
Thanks for all of the positive comments. I’m happy to hear most of you liked this piece. It’s unlike anything I’ve published at LifeReboot before, so I wasn’t sure what kind of reaction I’d get from writing “Google FanFiction.”

@Pres
Thanks a lot for submitting this to Digg! Glad you liked it that much.

@GaDawg
I moved to Michigan over a year ago for my girlfriend. It’s not the best place to be, but it’s where I needed to be. I’m trying to make the most of what’s available here, despite the struggling economy.

@Chance
Thanks so much for the encouragement, and for pointing out my grammatical error. Fixed!

#23 Ed on 13, Apr, 2008 at 4:09 pm

Found this via Reddit, it’s well written. I have interviewed at Google, and I believed you the whole way through. I stood in that cafeteria, lost, just like you described. I didn’t get an offer, BTW.

And yes, you really should get out of Michigan. If you want a shot at a good software job, go to Silicon Valley, Boston, or Austin. If you don’t, you’re placing yourself at a major disadvantage. As Americans have become increasingly mobile over the past decades, the network effect that draws all the best talent into a few cities has only gotten stronger. Think about your high school class. If it’s anything like mine, almost all the best students left town and didn’t come back. They’re in cities with decent economic opportunities.

Where you live is the biggest single factor in what economic opportunity you will have. Your skills are very important, but not as important as location. A great programmer in China isn’t going to earn anything close to what a great programmer in Palo Alto earns (assuming both are employees and not entrepreneurs). The same logic applies to Michigan.

Cost of living matters too, but if your goal is to do interesting work and build some wealth, it’s much better to go where the money is.

I know several good software companies here in the Boston area that are hiring aggressively right now. Of course you have to have top skills — expect any good company to make you write code in the interview.

If you’re committed to staying where you are, then the only attractive path I see is creating a location-independent online business. Just because the blog doesn’t earn enough doesn’t mean you can’t be successful in some other attempt. And your blog could help you launch some new venture, because you already have at least some audience.

#24 putik! on 13, Apr, 2008 at 4:18 pm

hahahahah… i was like.. a boat in the elevator? lol.. and then reading further.. i got it.. dumb me.. lol

and by that.. im clicking i like it in stumble.. ๐Ÿ˜€

#25 Kavitha on 13, Apr, 2008 at 4:31 pm

Very well written! Good luck with the job hunt.

#26 Bo Stenberg on 13, Apr, 2008 at 5:30 pm

If you want to write, avoid Silicon Valley, Austin and Boston.

If you don’t, go.

#27 Jason on 13, Apr, 2008 at 6:06 pm

You should write a book. This is a trend I have noticed amongst popular blogs.

I stumbled upon your blog today so I have only read a few entries but an area that combines your passion for technology and writing would be consumer electronics (i.e., Gizmodo, Engadget).

#28 jit on 13, Apr, 2008 at 6:24 pm

this was like one of my own dream, just they are ends abruptly slamming into reality :p

#29 Joe Jackson on 13, Apr, 2008 at 6:57 pm

sigh, Michigan. I am here too, 23, unemployed, artist, living with my parents in the middle of nowhere. It takes 30 minutes drive to get to any place that would have a non-minimum wage job. And with gas prices it still might not be worth it.

#30 Beach Bum on 13, Apr, 2008 at 6:59 pm

Stumbled here, enjoyed the post. Made me realise how fortunate I was to experience (American) corporate life and get out while still (relatively) sane.

#31 Buford Twain on 13, Apr, 2008 at 7:19 pm

Hope this story has a happy ending – good luck with the job hunt but maybe you should be looking for a writing gig not programming?

#32 Tidbits Of Tammy on 13, Apr, 2008 at 7:58 pm

This was great! I just stumble as well. I would have never even stopped to read but your title caught my attention. I was really in to the story. I thought maybe the boat was a test they gave. Great story! Sorry it was only a dream.

#33 calvin on 13, Apr, 2008 at 9:52 pm

Love it man.Good luck!

#34 Steve on 13, Apr, 2008 at 10:35 pm

Great story! Came here via stumble… you had me day dreaming of making an attempt at a career change to Google.

#35 PapaSeanski on 13, Apr, 2008 at 11:37 pm

Going through the interview gauntlet is not fun, but I realized that if you don’t make the job hunting process fun, getting hired becomes much harder. Showing up to interviews with a positive, out going, attitude will make a lasting impression way before any skill you might have. You may not think so, but if you feel the pressure to find a job, your interviewer will sniff you out. The negativity shows on your face (unless you are a very good poker player). Who would want to work with a tense, nervous, individual? People remember smiles, not skills.

Anybody can be trained to fill any position (well…most of the time). So while employers may look for certain skill sets, they actually want to know if want to work with YOU and your attitude. Don’t we all know plenty of qualified and unqualified people who got jobs simply because they were likeable?

Almost every person I know got their job, not because of what they know, but because of who they know. Thats why it’s important to volunteer, try different activities, and open up your social circle. Social relationships take precedent over abstract cover letters.

I trust you are on the right track though.

Nice article.

#36 JPro on 14, Apr, 2008 at 2:55 am

Dude, I’m right there with you. Sometimes the most frustrating thing about job hunting is the lack of feedback. As for the story itself, It was so realistically told, it threw me for a loop. You obviously are a darn good writer.

#37 snorzle on 14, Apr, 2008 at 3:51 am

Wonderful, and resonant post- A couple weeks into my job hunt (same state, different industry), I started dreaming about shoveling manure.

#38 Watsh Rajneesh on 14, Apr, 2008 at 6:05 am

Nice writing. Hang on and you shall find the right gig soon. As Andy says in Shawshank Redemption – Hope is a good thing, may be the best of the things. And no good thing ever dies.

#39 krisk on 14, Apr, 2008 at 10:01 am

That was a wonderful read.
Thnx
Good Luck.

#40 David on 14, Apr, 2008 at 10:14 am

I like it (stumble)

#41 Anuj on 14, Apr, 2008 at 10:40 am

HEy
very nicely written

#42 Chad on 14, Apr, 2008 at 10:42 am

funny post. I certainly feel for it. Maybe your subconscience is telling you that you should dress up a bit if you want to get a job. I know it is just a dream, but you brought up a good point. You only get once chance to make a first impression, it won’t kill someone to buy some new clothes to go on an interview. There is geek casual and geek dressy. You can wear a t-shirt under a nice blazer and dressy jeans with shoes. Leave the sneakers at the gym…

#43 Digitist on 14, Apr, 2008 at 12:33 pm

Very well written.

Why don’t you try writing movie of tv scripts.

#44 John on 14, Apr, 2008 at 1:53 pm

Hi Shaun,

That was interesting, I thought that there was some sort of computer problem. I’m sure you’ll find something, especially with the great writing skills.

Thanks

#45 Reba on 14, Apr, 2008 at 4:03 pm

Shaun,

Wow! I stumbled on your site and gave this a quick read-through… You had me fooled!
It was beautifully done, though. Really. That was a great piece. And the ending was also quite eloquently done.
Best of luck to you. ๐Ÿ™‚

~Reba

#46 Pankaj Mohan Dixit on 14, Apr, 2008 at 5:47 pm

Every story has a happy ending and if it is not a happy ending, the story is yet not finished … Best of luck dude … I really enjoyed your post.

#47 Justin on 14, Apr, 2008 at 6:10 pm

Great story! You had me going too all the way up until the boat. I had to read that one 3-4 times to see if I missed something about a google boat!

#48 Raphael Love on 14, Apr, 2008 at 6:34 pm

I read the story and found it an excellent read. If you can dream it and focus on it then ANYTHING is possible. Good luck in your future endeavors and I wish you the greatest of successes. If the writing of this story is any indication… Then I am most certain that the future for you has only one limit, the limit of your imagination.

Good Luck

Raphael

#49 john on 14, Apr, 2008 at 7:54 pm

hey man I know what it’s like. I’ve been there. Stop writing and start networking. the best jobs out there aren’t advertised.

#50 Morgan on 14, Apr, 2008 at 8:59 pm

I generally find “gotcha!” articles and blogs very annoying. I can’t say this was any different. I see that I’m in the minority on this one, but I still stand by my impression. It wasn’t written terribly or anything, but I usually like to know exactly what I’m reading so I can be in the right mindset.

#51 Jim on 14, Apr, 2008 at 9:07 pm

Take it from me, a refugee from Michigan, now in Colorado. Get the heck out of there!! Before I left the Great Unemployment State, a last resort I took a job with Wal-Mart after 4 months of looking and wound up assembling bicycles. I have a Bachelor degree and experience, and that was all I could find.
Believe me, things are far better here.

#52 D Lew on 14, Apr, 2008 at 9:14 pm

Excellent writing and interesting dream. I hope you find something along the lines of this dream, real soon. Best of luck and sending lots of good wishes your way!!!!!

#53 JEFF on 14, Apr, 2008 at 11:43 pm

Wow, while being jobless can be depressing, your short story was horrible! The whole “awakening from a dream” reeks of Middle School writing class. I hope your resume is better than this garbage!

#54 liam on 15, Apr, 2008 at 6:33 am

I stumbled on the site when I got to work this morning, read a few lines and decided I’d read the rest when I got a quiet moment, 2 and a half hours later I read it and it was worth the wait. Interesting read, even if I felt like i’d gone crazy when I read about the boat, my mind couldn’t make sense of it, and I thought I’d read something wrong. You swine!

#55 Shankar on 15, Apr, 2008 at 9:57 am

nice one mate… it really kept me going till the end..
the way you illustrated the sequence.. i really liked it..

wish you best of luck in job hunting.. ๐Ÿ™‚

#56 Shaun Boyd on 15, Apr, 2008 at 10:37 am

@Everyone
When I wrote this piece, I never imagined that it would spark this much discussion. I really appreciate all of the suggestions and encouragement.

@Those of you who didn’t like it
“And then I woke up” is the most cliche twist that is practiced in writing. I admit it is a lame ending to a story, especially when you’re not expecting a surprise ending.

The thing is, LifeReboot is a blog about my thoughts and experiences. The “story” above is something I truly experienced, even though it was only a dream. I woke up in the middle of the night feeling confused, disoriented, and disappointed. I wanted to share that confusing change of perspective, so I wrote about it.

The writer in me embellished some details to make it more believable, but I stayed true to what happened in my dream. For instance, I chose to say “Mr. Business Suit hadn’t acknowledged my presence since I arrived” instead of “since I entered the room.” I never entered the room, because my dream began with me already in it.

In any event, I wrote this piece for fun, and I had a lot of fun with it. I’m happy that the majority of readers like it, but as an artist I know that you can’t make everyone happy.

#57 steve english on 15, Apr, 2008 at 12:01 pm

Good writing, even if you think the twist was lame ๐Ÿ™‚ got the nod on my stumble.

#58 george on 15, Apr, 2008 at 1:11 pm

Shaun, i hope by the time you read this you already find (or built) your perfect job.
Before i reached the end of your post it was emailed to most of my co-workers, then i read the last words… and, still hope many others find it interesting.

#59 indiauplko on 15, Apr, 2008 at 4:00 pm

Since i stumbled to this blog, I might as well add some to it…..
it would have been good for you if you had made a link on this blog to your resume.

By the looks of it, you would have got free publicity….

Thats !!! if you were ever searching for a job !!!
(I still dont know whether you are !!!!!)

#60 BU5T4 on 15, Apr, 2008 at 5:38 pm

Hi Mate,

What a great read, I was so disappointed when I realised it was all just a dream. I hope you find your dream job mate.

I have never been on your blog before but I’m just about to have a look around. I’m sure if it’s anything like this story you won’t need a job with the money you could make from writing.

#61 Bjรถrn on 15, Apr, 2008 at 6:19 pm

Couldn’t you be freelancing instead of looking for a job? Somehow I hate to admit that there shouldn’t be a solution through creativity, and the only option is to go begging for jobs. Maybe there is some other service you could give to the world besides blogging, that would yield you some money, but would let you be independent.

#62 Anonymous Alcoholic on 15, Apr, 2008 at 10:38 pm

I must say that you got me. Great story! Good luck on the job search.

#63 Anu on 16, Apr, 2008 at 1:21 am

What’s wrong with you? Don’t you like Slurpees?

#64 I like cheese on 16, Apr, 2008 at 1:24 am

douche

#65 Chris on 16, Apr, 2008 at 1:26 am

Ahhhhh! I love this, too good!

#66 patti on 16, Apr, 2008 at 6:27 am

Official Gmail Blog – We’re hiring – Apr 8 (true!!!!)
I was so surprised to see this in my gmail account…….check it out.
patti

#67 Dave on 16, Apr, 2008 at 6:55 pm

Stumbled on this. Nice job – I loved the surprise ending. There are some who say when you dream about your vision you are about 80% of the way to making it come true. Keep dreaming.

#68 Green Llama on 16, Apr, 2008 at 7:31 pm

If you are as clever, witty, articulate, and creative as your Google post – any smart employer would be wise to give you a shot.

#69 Nick on 17, Apr, 2008 at 5:50 am

Great story! I was really looking forward to reading how the meeting with the team would go and rooted for you to get the job.
The boat completely threw me off and too bad it was just a dream.

Good luck with the job search!

#70 Francis Zammit on 17, Apr, 2008 at 12:22 pm

I’ve been following your blog, not from the beginning but I went back and read it all.

You simply threw me off! And here I was thinking that you’d finally found a job. But I enjoyed reading it nonetheless. Simply shows you do have it in you to be a good writer but life ‘intrudes’.

#71 Gus on 17, Apr, 2008 at 5:22 pm

Great read, sorry to hear about he unemployment. There’s always GameStop.

#72 Dave on 17, Apr, 2008 at 7:50 pm

I’ve been bamboozled! Very fun read I might add. Sucked me right in.

#73 patti on 17, Apr, 2008 at 9:32 pm

http://gmailblog.blogspot.com

#74 Kevin on 17, Apr, 2008 at 10:32 pm

I was thinking to myself, “this seems a little unrealistic; if only life were that kind to us nerds…”, kind of hating you, and then, yeah.

My advice to you would be – forget the cover letters, and get in touch with some good tech recruiters: that’s the way to go these days. Hey, if you want, I’ll send you my contacts. These people had me interviewing at 3-4 places a day. It’s become very competitive!

Best of luck, man.

#75 Mary Ann on 17, Apr, 2008 at 11:08 pm

Wish you well on the jobhunt. Ever thought about writing? It might be hard to get into it, but I think you have a knack for it.

#76 interviewless on 18, Apr, 2008 at 7:20 pm

hey, i’m going through the same thing. i send resumes to at least 5 places a day and i have had one phone interview since. i was told i would receive a call in the middle of the week for an interview on the following tuesday, and nothing. i got an email that said they were broadening the skill set for the position. i am a recently seperated vet, paying bills with 800 a month from education benefits. i hate it here, but my g/f has to finish college before we can leave this bulls*#t state. thanks for the writing, it made me aware that i wasn’t the only one that dreams about having a job.

#77 Richard Morgan on 20, Apr, 2008 at 11:09 am

I live in Mountain View, Ca Most of my friends work at Google I will forward this Story to them.

Take care
RJ.

#78 Kate on 20, Apr, 2008 at 12:10 pm

I liked this entry a lot! You got me with your opener. This is my favorite entry in a while. You can’t please everyone all the time but the sheer number of comments attests that this was a pretty effective entry no?

#79 Ashish on 20, Apr, 2008 at 1:48 pm

This is an excellent writing of the Google interview [:)] … i was completely ‘bowled’ [writing this feedback while watching IPL Cricket league ๐Ÿ™‚ ] by the climax. It also reminded me of the job search I went through b4 getting one.
Shaun, all the best !!

#80 Carlene on 21, Apr, 2008 at 12:32 am

I really enjoyed this post ๐Ÿ™‚ I check out your blog every now and then … you had me rooting for you and I’m sure it’ll work out on the job front .. it may not be google but something will happen ๐Ÿ™‚ Good luck!!

#81 bblong on 21, Apr, 2008 at 3:08 am

hehe a wondefull dream! i think u will succ

#82 DJ-Mindwarp on 21, Apr, 2008 at 2:25 pm

that was awesome, although i know where your coming from i was once there myself. we all hate job hunting you start to wonder should i be myself or someone else ive always found though at the end of the day i should just be myself though. right now i’m searching for a new job something a little less stressful but so far no luck i do get a sense that when i have a job it’s harder for me to find another one cause when i’m unemployed i have a nothing to lose get something or die attitude. but thats my problem. anyway though i really enjoyed the story and best of luck to you in the future. ~DJ~

#83 h on 21, Apr, 2008 at 6:11 pm

Good luck in your job hunt! This recession has made companies and recruiters picky. I have never seen this before. I normal get a nice small ratio of interviews to resumes going out. And never before have I ever needed to write a cover letter. Now I am basically writing small cover letters to some and I am getting very few replies, let alone interviews. I think overqualified people are getting basic jobs. What is funny, is after the economy turns around, those guys are going to leave for something better. And those companies are going to be stuck looking for someone like me. Well, that’s what I tell myself anyway. =o)

I have applied to two different google jobs and nothing. I know it was a long shot, since I have no job experience and I am a hobbyist. But it would still be nice to know if I was read by a human or some perl hack. A part of me is pissed because the technology they are using is free, open-source, hobbyist technology, yet they have the money and resources to hire PhD’s as their janitorial staff. It definitely does not mean someone should not try to get hired at google. But I am now shooting for something better.

#84 elizabeth benson-udom on 21, Apr, 2008 at 11:43 pm

hang in there, oh fellow seeker. today i was career counseled out of my latest commission only gig–getting jobs that don’t turn into jobs is not better than not having a job. tomorrow i will return to my studio and contemplate my choices. i am missing a boat–but loved when your dream turned back into dream. follow them. you have a boat in yours. you are about to set sail!

blessings on your courage–and continuance–and eventual voyage!

#85 Jason on 22, Apr, 2008 at 1:47 am

You are a very talented writer! You had me enveloped in suspense until you revealed it was a dream! I hope your dreams and goals align in the near future Shaun. Keep your head up!

#86 Shawn on 27, Apr, 2008 at 7:15 am

Dude, that’s awesome. Enjoy every minute !

#87 Bas on 27, Apr, 2008 at 11:44 am

Dreams can guide you. Be conscious of your dreaming. It’s important.

#88 » Links For April 28, 2008 » InsideGoogle-part of the Blog News Channel on 28, Apr, 2008 at 8:32 pm

[…] Funny Google Interview Story Read this story about one guy’s experience interviewing for a job at Google. I guarantee you won’t see […]

#89 Tom Galloway on 29, Apr, 2008 at 1:12 am

Nicely written, although as a former Googler who was fairly involved in hiring in Mountain View, there were enough bits that were off enough to have me at least thinking you’d interviewed in a different office, and probably a relatively small one…except that didn’t mesh with the cafe, since only the larger offices have those.

Examples (which all apply to Mountain View as of Oct. 2007): There’s no waiting room, except for building lobbies which are much nicer to wait in that what you described. The HR person wouldn’t have taken you to her desk (and the vast majority are in cubes, not offices), but to the small conference room you’d be interviewed in.

There’s no fast tracking as described, certainly none that would be told to you only on the day of interview. Nor are there tiers of interviews as described. Also, unless you’re in a particular specialty, you’re not interviewed by a project team; you’re interviewed by a selection of engineers who probably all work on different projects and in all odds aren’t on the team you’d end up on if hired. The odds are also quite good that you won’t meet your manager until your first day at work, since in most cases you’re not assigned to a project until after the decision’s been made to hire or not. In general, engineers are hired to work at Google…then Google figures out what to have them work on. Although this has been changing a bit with regards to the very large ongoing projects.

HR people don’t sit in on interviews; they may do a quick introductory or concluding mini-session to see if you have any general questions, but that’s done solo, not in conjunction with engineer-led interviews, which are also usually done solo (unless someone relatively new to the company is shadowing a more experienced interviewer to observe and/or practice Google-style interviewing).

No one refers to it as a “Free Lunch” as in “Would you like some Free Lunch”; it’s just lunch. People will probably mention the food’s all free, but not as a captialized phrase. You also, with a few exceptions, serve yourself rather than ask a chef for a serving. And there are no round tables in the largest MV cafe, nor is there a Slurpee machine anywhere to my knowledge.

Like I wrote, nicely written. But just a bit short on verisimilitude if you actually know the place and process. Good luck with the job hunt.

#90 Elaina on 29, Apr, 2008 at 7:56 pm

I was just stumbling and stumbled on this. This is a very good read. It had me going.

#91 Yasin on 01, May, 2008 at 8:21 pm

I really enjoy your story. I am sorry about your job situation. I guess many people suffer like that. At least, many people have suffered, and you are not alone :p

On the other hand, would you like to be a scenarist for a tv serie about IT? :p

Thanks for sharing your dream. I like it. And good luck!

#92 jes45 on 05, May, 2008 at 3:20 pm

you write very well! i know its probably the biggest clichรฉ in writing to finish with ‘but it was all a dream..” but hell you gotta love clichรฉs!
good luck on the job hunt, keep writing!!

#93 Julie O'Malley on 05, May, 2008 at 4:25 pm

SO WHAT HAPPENED TO THE GUY IN THE SUIT???

I know he didn’t exist, but I still have a burning desire to find out whether you or he had the right idea about dressing for the interview.

Guess I’ll just have to infer that you did, since you were the one who was “fast-tracked.” lol

#94 Reader on 07, May, 2008 at 2:37 pm

Good read, What happened to the guy in the suit?

hehe

#95 edgar c. on 08, May, 2008 at 4:47 pm

dude i totally feel what ur going through right now…

i’ve been jobless since the first month of april…

this sh*t sucks…

#96 Skrach on 09, May, 2008 at 7:12 pm

Thx 4 taking the reader for a good and nice walk. I just now are going thrue this kind of interviews with the joungsters I work with, we are offering a disign like championship (dont know how to write it, i’m from spain). so good luck
D!

#97 biju on 14, May, 2008 at 1:38 am

gr8 job man..i just enjoyed reading this..and the end was quite astonishing..gr8 work..u did a gr8 work in presenting ur dream..which most people cant

#98 Joe Pelayo on 14, May, 2008 at 10:02 pm

captivating…have you ever dabbled with the thought of being a consultant of some sorts. i was in a similar situation and i just woke up one day and told myself i was going to make myself money. i now do a bunch of things, from remodeling, to consulting, from building houses to building websites. My best advice to you is NETWORK! everyone has a need, and you are their answer. either you may be able to do it, or you may know someone who can. either way, you may provide them with a solution, and that solution has a price. i wish you the best of luck and keep thinking.

#99 random on 15, May, 2008 at 11:36 am

I was searching on Google for “interview dress codes” and came here. I was completely fooled by the story, well done.

#100 steve b on 17, May, 2008 at 7:25 pm

A Good story, I WISH job interviews were anything like that. I can’t stand talking to HR people with a list of questions they don’t know the answer to themselves, or even have a clue what they mean. I would much prefer the “team-style” interview. I’ve never had one, but I participated in one with a manager that knew better than to try to ask tech questions himself.

Sorry it was just a dream, dude. hey, maybe you’ll get to live the dream though ๐Ÿ˜‰

#101 spix14 on 18, May, 2008 at 12:48 pm

Wow, you really had me going…I got to the boat part, and was all,”Holy crap, Google has boats??” Seemed feasible for a second there…who knows what goes on at the mythical Google headquarters. LOL. Great read.

#102 meme_v on 19, May, 2008 at 9:01 am

With your talent and putting yourself out there, it is only a matter of time until someone becomes aware of what you have to offer. Welcome to Michigan. Despite the current economy, we have the bones to become a creative working environment. And we have lakes, lots of them. Woods. Cool cities.
p.s. I dream about looking for work as well. One of the scariest is becoming a graphic novel. Really it was about me trying to be something I am not to get a job. The dream was one bloody mess.

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#104 Ahmed Abdullah on 21, May, 2008 at 9:46 am

you know what. i gave the link of this post to my friends as i reached to that part about google interviews and the tiers methods for interviewing because my job is a recruiter. suddenly, as im going down reading your post, i found it was a dreaaaaaaaaaaam :D.

Tooo funny man.

#105 Blind Virus on 21, May, 2008 at 4:42 pm

Very well written. Have you considered a career in language arts and or writing ๐Ÿ™‚

#106 John on 22, May, 2008 at 7:02 am

I am sure it will only be time before you find the perfect job. In the mean time you may have to work in the not so perfect job.

My experience with interviews and speaking to people who have been through interviews with Google is that they are pretty harsh and the Google people are pretty arrogant about their own importance. But hey its Google!

Don’t be fooled by the free lunch.. go for the bigger salary and bonus.

#107 Gino on 22, May, 2008 at 2:13 pm

Wot an excellent read! I was captivated from the first line… and even took time out of stumbling to post a comment in appreciation.

#108 Joel on 30, May, 2008 at 10:16 pm

Great writing and narration….I didnt realize your dream until I came to the last para

#109 Simple Blogs » Blog Archive » Links For April 28, 2008 on 01, Jun, 2008 at 9:22 am

[…] Funny Google Interview Story Read this story about one guy’s experience interviewing for a job at Google. I guarantee you won’t see […]

#110 alifaan on 02, Jun, 2008 at 7:09 am

too good to be true ๐Ÿ˜€

#111 preeti joshi on 12, Jun, 2008 at 11:15 pm

well.. it was realy very good expirence for u. i loved the story ,n the way u narrated ,it realy reflects ur sence. certainly ,there is some important message hiding behind the story.
but it definately helps in boosting people..who is n need of encouragment.

#112 mungai kamanu on 13, Jun, 2008 at 11:49 am

lmao!! ๐Ÿ˜€
Keep your head up though ๐Ÿ˜‰

#113 parul on 15, Jun, 2008 at 1:22 am

HAHAAHAHAH. I hate you! WHat a POST.

My experience interviewing at google…err…in a dream.

#114 Fredrik on 21, Jun, 2008 at 5:02 am

You really had me going there for a minute. Very well written.

#115 Chris Hugheski on 26, Jun, 2008 at 1:00 pm

I enjoyed reading it. I’ve been job hunting for a while now. I have been in ICT for 4 years at college but never had work experience. I’m 20, the only real interview I went for was at a popular radio station (Galaxy 102), you’ve made me want to write about it because it was a pretty fun interesting experience. I didn’t get the job though :'(

#116 Mark on 05, Jul, 2008 at 5:47 pm

Good blog post ๐Ÿ™‚

I was completely sucked into it, until the boat part kicked in !!

If I get time tomorrow, I will be reviewing this in my own blog, well done.

#117 lookitsjulia on 07, Jul, 2008 at 12:24 am

How often these days are we surprised by something we read! It was inventive, specific and most of all unique! Thank you so much for sharing.

Loved it. And I’ll tell Stumble so.

๐Ÿ™‚

#118 Sean Nolte on 24, Jul, 2008 at 1:17 am

You caught me hook line and sinker.One hell of a dream,
I enjoyed this post very much.

Good luck on the job hunt.

#119 onmountain on 30, Jul, 2008 at 10:41 pm

Wow…Cool…tg you woke up before the shark grabbed your leg. At it lunged forward to strike, you managed to turn your head and see the boat and your father speeding away in the distance, the rain and fog closing between you… forever. The sharp pain as the beasts hundreds of jagged razor-teeth torn through your left leg, dragging your under. The numbing pain, steel-like cold, pulling you down down down. You reached up instinctively toward the surface, toward your father, toward Stacy, who had asked me to pass her a sugar packet. I realized then I had actually been day dreaming for an instant, and didn’t really have any idea what the other members of the team had just been talking about. I guess it was the stress of the impending interview…

#120 bao on 31, Jul, 2008 at 10:00 am

awwww…
i’m so sorry…
job hunting sucks loads.
i hope you have a job by now, this site makes enough money from advertising, or you’re a step closer to your dream of becoming a writer.

#121 Paul on 01, Aug, 2008 at 10:45 pm

Fooled me completely. Here I was about to congratulate you :]

#122 betty on 08, Aug, 2008 at 12:30 am

I’ll be in the same boat soon… now if I can ever finish my resume…

#123 Trey on 08, Aug, 2008 at 12:42 am

I completely relate to you with regards to the subconscious toll job hunting takes on you. I’m exiting the Air Force after 10 years as a linguist. Despite an active high level security clearance the jobs are few and far between. Time to hit up the water and instamac.

Hang in there brother.

#124 ali on 28, Aug, 2008 at 6:34 pm

brilliant writing!

#125 ari on 07, Sep, 2008 at 5:45 pm

Reminded me of my own Google interview experience until the surprise ending!

#126 tom dunnavant on 05, Oct, 2008 at 7:23 pm

My son works there, could be an in for you, wont hurt to try, answer this email and i will give you his email and telco. Lucky you.

#127 Jack Sparrow on 10, Oct, 2008 at 7:23 pm

That was ingeniously well-written, I was completely engrossed right up to the sucker punch.

This definitely ranks as one of the best articles I’ve read.

Outstanding job!!! ๐Ÿ™‚

#128 Bubbly on 19, Oct, 2008 at 10:22 am

Hello Shaun, I hope by now you have found a job – at Google!
Chin up!

#129 harleyblues on 15, Nov, 2008 at 1:19 pm

Hiya Shaun

great story I just KNEW when you said โ€˜you stepped onto a boatโ€™ it was a dream. Perhaps this is a sigh you should apply at Google, I donโ€™t live to far from there. Give it a try!

Great writing
ra
hb

ps delete my above posty! lol

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#132 aceblade on 27, Nov, 2008 at 10:29 am

Perhaps it’s a dream of things yet to come?
…well, except the part where you suddenly travel back in time and end up on the boat.

Thanks for the read Shaun.

#133 wildweasel on 07, Dec, 2008 at 12:41 am

This whole thing is so well-written that I couldn’t help linking you from my blog. The whole free lunch thing tipped me off that it wasn’t real, though…

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#135 Amitabh on 20, Dec, 2008 at 12:12 pm

Forget Google and other jobs! You have a great future as a fiction writer. Think about it.
Best Wishes.

#136 donald wilson on 18, Jan, 2009 at 10:07 pm

I love the story, I ate lunch with you guys… hahaha

But really, I too just became unemployed and did tons of the online resumes, cover letter, and the whole thing. I became depressed, even the temp agency wasn’t calling. I finally a an assignment, but now I’m looking to take matters in to my own hand , my own network of people and using technology to my teams advantage. A company of worldwide creatives! I want my own company d#$@ IT! DON’T STOP LOOKING FOR YOUR DREAM JOB. I’M RUNNING TO MINE … YOUR RUN TO YOURS.. great story

#137 Aarthy on 09, Feb, 2009 at 1:48 pm

lol! funny post. I hope you got that job you were looking for!

#138 Zenon on 17, Feb, 2009 at 6:49 pm

Ohh I felt sorry for you when you got to the point of waking up. Working at google is sort of representative of every geek’s dream ๐Ÿ™‚

#139 D D on 22, Feb, 2009 at 5:17 pm

Good story – especially the surprise ending.

Although I have thought of reinventing myself from time to time – i.e., making a clean break from my current life and moving elsewhere to start over, I know I wouldn’t stand a snowball’s chance in hell of getting a job at Google – as I know there are two main requirements to be considered for a job there:

1) You must be a member of the Democratic (Socialist Worker’s) Party
2) You must believe that Barack Obama is God

#140 Kumar on 09, Mar, 2009 at 10:26 pm

Hi Shaun: I hit your website when looking for articles on how to ‘forget the PAST’

I sincerely hope you have a job now as this comment from me is almost 1 year old since you wrote this article

Like most of the readers, I too believed it…excellently written. Have you thought about — writing as a profession or career? If you are interested in that stream you should give a serious thought.

Wishing you the very best in life.

Cheers,
Kumar

#141 Kevin on 14, Mar, 2009 at 8:54 pm

You roped me in. I searched for “google engineer interview jeans”, as I’m trying to get a handle on the dress code. Going in Monday for an onsite. Secretly hoping I’d get the “fast track” too. Nice one.

I did this a couple years ago and felt like an accountant (black dress pants, blue button down, etc). Suit is actually easier. You don’t have to think about it much. I want to look casual, so no dark dress pants, but don’t want to look like i’m not trying. If I showed up in jeans I think I’d be sweating like I’m waiting for the dentist. Can’t do it.

#142 Goldflake2k on 19, May, 2009 at 9:16 am

I really enjoyed the story …… Yes every one deserve the breaks of good dreams

#143 Emily on 23, May, 2009 at 11:30 pm

Like so many others, I’m going through the very same thing as you are right now. Your story was brilliant. When things get tough it gets easy to forget that its ok to dream big.

#144 roy on 28, May, 2009 at 8:11 am

I scrolled up ๐Ÿ™‚

Anyway, I see that you have a writing skill. Do you want someone to help you get a serious writing job? No, I am not a HR guy, I will not charge you a single cent, the places I will tell you about will have no fee. In short, not a single cent will be spent by you, except the internet costs.

The money’s not much to boast of, but it is atleast something.

If you are interested, mail me at roydanieldsilva at gmail dot com. We’ll get it rolling.

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#146 dan on 17, Sep, 2009 at 7:12 pm

Absolute. Genius.

#147 Shilps on 03, Dec, 2009 at 8:08 pm

Loved this …

I’m applying for a job at google and it totally helped me relax… I think i’m ready to hit that cover letter again.

Thank you so much for the laugh & keep dreaming big…you never know what’s around the next corner!!

Best of luck with whatever your future holds…

#148 Carmen Tourney on 03, Mar, 2010 at 11:12 am

Good job on the story. Also nice to see you got so many comments AND only like three or four were negative.

#149 Knowlton Thomas on 18, Apr, 2010 at 11:50 pm

What a great story. Although it did “waste” my time; I was searching for something else. An enjoyable read, at any rate.

#150 Throckmorton Jones on 14, Jun, 2010 at 11:43 pm

I too was surprised when you stepped onto the boat. The job problem out there is awful. I’ve been out of work for over 2 years now and can’t even get interviews. Not a good thing.

#151 Asit Moharna on 18, Jun, 2010 at 7:38 am

wow…what a story!!! I like it and the way u make me wake up is absolutely fantastic… because i was also dreaming with u … ๐Ÿ™‚

#152 Holly on 29, Jun, 2010 at 4:12 pm

I loved reading this! I found your blog because I’m trying to move from California to Michigan myself, and you’re page is one of the first things that pops up when, of course, Googling, ‘moving to another state’. So thank you for that outline! Browsing around, I stumbled across this entry, and it made me smile and break from my stressful thoughts of a big move. Thanks!!

#153 Latifa on 30, Aug, 2010 at 5:52 am

Hey Shaun…

I havent read all the comments, as im supposed to be working incidentally lol but i just wanted to wish you well.. im sure you are working somewhere awesome(ish) at the moment, but if not, well at least your dream recount is still entertaining people in the work place two years on ๐Ÿ˜€

i wish you all the best x

#154 Inverse on 29, Sep, 2010 at 6:59 pm

I am highly impressed by your writing. A shame a job like Google may love you, but won’t notice you due to the way the system works. I was angry when you “woke me up”, but I’m sure you were angry when you did the same.

You took me into your shoes for a brief moment~ and we’ve all been there in our own, but I was in yours this time.

I hope you get to have your own sailboat one day.

#155 RVL on 14, Oct, 2010 at 11:13 am

Great story, I’m in the interviewing process myself. Although my dream almost came true I received a message today from one of the Google recruiters that I did not fit the profile…

#156 Dan on 21, Feb, 2011 at 11:19 pm

Great story. I feel for you, I was recently unemployed and the stress of the hunting, interviewing, and they runaround does get to you. Even after I found a job after 3 months unemployment I still had nightmares about missing interviews and being back at the previous place of employment and going through the whole ‘downsizing’ experience again.

#157 Roxana on 08, Mar, 2011 at 8:55 pm

Shaun, you have captivated many readers with your great writing. An update in now long over due. Peace, Roxana

#158 Michael on 31, Mar, 2011 at 12:43 am

Great story!.. There is a lot to be said about confidence and dressing the part. It’s hard to find a job when you are looking for work.. often its easier to upgrade when you are already employed. The bottom line is you can do anything you put your mind to. it all comes down to determination.

Michael

#159 Alfred on 31, Mar, 2011 at 3:40 pm

Wow, you really had me going there. It was very exciting but kinda depressing at the end. Good luck with your job search.

#160 Lauren on 01, Apr, 2011 at 5:22 am

Great article Shaun. Totally different from some of the boring stuff that I’ve seen outside. Keep it up! And I also enjoyed the pics you took of the Oasis of the Seas. She’s a monster!

#161 Valerie Framo on 02, Apr, 2011 at 3:26 am

You got me there Shaun! For a second I thought you were being interviewed on a luxury ship or something. Then it hit me, you were just daydreaming or something like that. Good one! I liked the “twist” ending.

Oh well. Good luck on you future job applications though! Who knows? Somehow you might make it to Google someday!

#162 Dover on 03, Apr, 2011 at 6:21 pm

You got me Shaun, but you definitely have a talent for storytelling there. I’m sure you’ll find a position that suits you as you seem to be a creative person.

#163 Casey Miller on 05, Apr, 2011 at 6:55 am

“What a great read, I was so disappointed when I realised it was all just a dream. I hope you find your dream job mate.”—LOL!!!! Me too! It was such a great story. I got punkd.

In all seriousness, I agree with some of the comments here suggesting that you should be a writer! You really do have a talent. Your talent is rare and to be able to think cleverly of a story like this, I’d say you are truly brilliant and can earn great money. There are a lot of legitimate online jobs out there, including blogging that you can definitely gain from. I mean, with all these reaction you were able to get from various people, it simply reassures the fact that, man! You are really good!!! Kudos to you! Keep it up!

#164 Dan on 06, Apr, 2011 at 3:44 pm

Great post Shaun, you’re an awesome writer and you had me all the way to the end!

#165 Jamal Stephens on 08, Apr, 2011 at 5:43 pm

What a great surprise! I was so curious about the Google process, I do admit I’m only slightly disappointed that it was fictional. So realistic, it’s as if you really experienced it.

I love the final image of going through doors onto a boat. Very clever, indeed!

#166 Sam Weston on 10, Apr, 2011 at 7:43 am

That’s some storytelling skill you have there Shaun and you certainly pulled my right on in there. Are you sure this was just a dream and not the real thing?

#167 Rena C. Franklin on 12, Apr, 2011 at 11:18 pm

I unequivocally adore this piece Shaun, nice work. I enjoyed reading it.

#168 Roberta on 13, Apr, 2011 at 1:00 pm

Shaun,
How is the job hunting going these days? Today is the 3-year anniversary of this post, so I’m hoping you have been to “write” a happier ending by now? After browsing your other blog posts, I’m guessing you have given up the job search in favor of independent employment. If so, congratulations! I run my own website too, and I love it. Best of luck with your endeavors,

Roberta

#169 Chris on 14, Apr, 2011 at 5:33 am

I totally fell for it! Amazing writing, man! ๐Ÿ™‚
Good luck with your job hunting, which I hope has positively ended by now.

#170 mk on 09, May, 2011 at 4:05 pm

I resent being misled and wasting my time. “Do no evil”, but you did.

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#172 James on 19, Jun, 2011 at 11:48 pm

You got me. I was completely eating it up and picturing the process amazed at how similar it was to the legends – then came the boat.

-Jim

#173 Ryan on 22, Aug, 2011 at 3:11 pm

What a great story! I would have tried to squeeze in a tour and lunch, google’s offices look awesome!

#174 Alexia on 21, Jun, 2012 at 8:00 am

AHAHAHA!!! I LOVED reading your whole story! The whole thing was interesting so I kept reading more and the end is just awsome! I guess you have found a job since then but if one day you wanna change path, why don’t you work in advertising? You seem to be quite creative ๐Ÿ™‚ (or write books!)

Anyway I wish you a great career and I m sure you already have one ๐Ÿ™‚

Cheers,

Alexia

#175 Jocelyn on 21, Jun, 2012 at 6:28 pm

That’s funny! But this is also a great way to blow off some frustration. It sorta reminded me of this article in the Seattle Times back then about a man who won a job as a reader meter over 1,400 applicants:

http://seattletimes.nwsource.c.....ur21m.html

Washington State was also hit hard for the laid off, unemployed workers.

#176 Wolfram Rittmeyer on 13, Jul, 2012 at 10:14 am

I was misled by your headline – but never mind. It was a good story. Too bad it’s not true.

Good luck to you!

#177 Brijesh on 09, Aug, 2012 at 2:04 pm

Great imagination. Feeling sorry about you.

Best of luck.

#178 Greg Holbert on 15, Oct, 2012 at 10:37 am

Thanks for the candid look inside of Google. I’m glad to hear all the stories about how awesome it is are true, and maybe a little undersold. Like many, I was also confused for a moment on how you went from an elevator to a boat, but other than that great writing! Look forward to reading more from you.

#179 Charlie on 21, Apr, 2014 at 11:03 pm

Such a realistic story about Google I thought to myself, of course until the boat scene. Nonetheless I enjoyed the story and I hope that you’ve landed a decent job at the time of this posting. I too have been writing cover letters and sending out resumes and this was a good break from reality.

#180 Nidhi on 24, Oct, 2014 at 1:37 am

You should consider writing!! You have a knack for it (as the responses invoked will show). Lots of hugs for what you were/are going through..it always gets better ๐Ÿ™‚

#181 Alex on 26, Sep, 2015 at 11:43 pm

I really enjoyed reading that. When you mentioned the boat part I actually said wtf out loud lol. It got my imagination going, I started to visualise it being like the Wonker factory. Good luck. The interview process can be very depressing and a low part of your life. Try to keep upbeat and not take rejection in a negative way.

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