Applied online in Fall 2014 first, then networked to receive an employee referral, and interviewed in February 2015 (two 30-minute phone interviews back-to-back) FOR THOSE INTERESTED IN A NON-TECHNICAL INTERNSHIP: My interview process was less than 3 weeks between scheduling the interview and getting an offer, but I'd actually been preparing for the application since August 2014. I applied as a college junior for a business internship for summer 2015. Above all, my advice to all applicants is do your research on the company and know your story. The company takes on hires from all majors, so don't get too caught up in your GPA or awards (unless they are crucial parts of your story). I can break it down, by stage: Pre-Application: - Research the company mission statement and keep up with its initiatives - Read books about the company** (most people don't do this, but the books actually tell you a lot about how to interview and be successful at the company) - Reflect on your experiences and personal goals and connect these to a passion for some Google initiative - Be prepared to articulate this every time you network with someone from the company, don't waste time asking questions about hours or the perks since this info won't help you get in and is probably online somewhere - See when/if Google is on campus- GO. - LinkedIn will truly become your best friend throughout this process - Keep track of application deadlines Application: - Your resume is the most important part, use your career centers to get it reviewed and perfect - Quality over quantity in your resume, if you didn't shine in the experience, don't put it down. Also, don't feel pigeon-holed by your experiences, it's all about how your market yourself and connect that experience to Google's values - Don't bother with a cover letter - If there's an essay, just be true and direct- you can have fun with it - Clean up your online presence and use Google's products - Still network with LinkedIn and your career center to network and find people Post-Application/Interview: - Still read company books - Ask your connections thoughtful questions about their company experiences and be sure to articulate how Google fits into your larger goals - Use Glassdoor for practice interview questions - Do lots of mock interviews with your career center, friends and family - Learn everything you can about the department you're interviewing for - In interview, don't be afraid to pause and think if you need to. Explain your answer logically - Ask the recruiter thoughtful questions - Don't ever, ever ask anything that's Google-able :) Post-Interview: - Thank the recruiter and ask them to forward the thank yous you've written to your interviewers - Whatever happens, you will be okay and this process will teach you a lot about yourself If it's hard to find alums from your school, then be fearless and email someone you find on LinkedIn. Be brief in your message, explaining that you found them on LinkedIn, you think their work/department is super rad, and you want their advice on how to push forward at Google. This is advice that is definitely out there, but not a lot of people will take it seriously- maybe because they are too caught up in the Google prestige instead of thinking about the work this company is trying to do. Good luck.