Google is one of the largest and most competitive companies today. And after many years of sifting through job applications, they’ve got the hiring process down to a science. Through data and research, here is what we can learn about how to effectively hire.
1. No one is good at hiring
It’s true! Several years ago, Google looked at tens of thousands of job interviews and reviewed the scores of each candidate. Their goal was to figure out if there was such thing as a good hirer. The results? Google found “zero relationship” between interview and scores.
2. Consistency is key
The toughest jobs to apply for? Leadership roles. Leadership qualities are a bit more ambiguous than say those of a web developer. But the key here is consistency – if a leader is consistent based on team experiences, then you are on the right path to earning a new leadership role!
3. Brainteasers are pointless
For years, Google was famous for asking interviewees questions such as, “How many golf balls can you fit into an airplane?” or “How many gas stations are in Manhattan.” Such questions allowed managers to see a candidate’s ability to think analytically, but it was then discovered that the answers don’t predict anything – they don’t predict how a candidate would actually fit into the workplace. Instead, they are intended to make the interviewer feel smart.
4. GPA test scores don’t matter
In the past, test scores were a huge factor in hiring, but after two or three years, your ability to perform in the workplace becomes completely irrelevant to how well you did on such exam years ago.
5. Employees score their managers too
Many companies review employees, but employees don’t get the opportunity to rate their managers. At Google, employees have several opportunities to do so. They fill out what’s called an “upwards feedback survey” about their managers – respect, goals, etc. In this case, it makes it difficult to be a bad manager.
Many managers turn to staffing agencies to detect true talent. Madison Approach Staffing is a staffing agency in White Plains, NY. We are ready and available to help make your next hire great! To learn more, call 914-428-4800 or visit us on the web.
