I'll Believe It When I See It

Back in 2003, I interviewed for a job at Google. Yes, that was pre-IPO, and no, I didn't get it.

The interview process would be best described as a nightmare, and that's putting it generously.

It was filled with missed or cancelled phone interviews, miscommunications about travel and reimbursements, and at least two different people telling me two different things about the infamous "next steps".

Apparently, I wasn't alone. There are at least three or four people at my current employer that share similar experiences. It's almost as if Google wanted to hire people who had two characteristics -- 1) they were qualified and 2) they were crazy/interested enough to deal with the hiring process.

So I was excited today to read that "Google Adjusts Hiring Process As Needs Grow" (subscription required).

Here's the money quote:

Google Inc.'s recruiting process is legendary in Silicon Valley. Tales abound of job candidates who suffered through a dozen or more in-person interviews, and applicants with years of work experience who were spurned after disclosing they had so-so college grades.

Now Google is attempting to fine tune its approach toward hiring staff. In addition to making the experience less grueling for would-be employees, it hopes to do a better job of offering the right jobs to the right people as it continues its rapid expansion.

I'll believe it when I see it. Although seeing as how they've hired 4000 people already this year, someone is getting hired...