Case Study: Googles Recruitment and Selection Process

Google Inc., the worlds largest and most popular search engine company, is one of the most sought-after companies in the world. Googles hiring process is an important part of their culture as they care deeply about the people who make up their teams. Management focuses on distinct behavioural characteristics and personalities that separate its employees from other employees. They shifted focus from academic qualifications and technical experience to applicants personality, creativity, leadership capability, nonconventional ways of thinking and overall exposure to the world. Academic qualifications and intensive job experience are secondary when candidates are being chosen.

To attract employees, Google promises wealth, luxury and almost everything an employee could possibly want; from absurdly high compensation to extravagant and luxurious benefits like gourmet food, car wash, gym, snacks, exercise classes, dry cleaning services, car services, haircuts, oil changes, massages, check-ups and many more, all for free. The recruitment process is also far beyond ordinary. Several people narrate that it is totally nerve wracking. One person reported five to seven interviews in one day for two to three consecutive days. That applicant added that the interviews were really tough; filled with brain teasers, algorithmic problems and IQ tests, conducted by some of the brightest people in the world.

After the interviews, Google brings everything together from the applications and interviews and reviews it. The company takes into account a number of perspectives before arriving at a decision. When it is decided that someone is the best candidate, a recruiter reaches out to him/her with an offer. Once accepted, the onboarding team walks that person through compensation, benefits, badging, insurance, etc., after which he/she is on the way to becoming a Noogler!

A. Highlight TWO (2) factors that influence Googles recruitment and selection process. Provide evidence from the case. (6 marks)

B. What are TWO (2) benefits and TWO (2) limitations of Googles beyond the ordinary recruitment strategy? (8 marks)

C. Identify TWO (2) selection techniques used by Google and assess their effectiveness.