The ‘success formula’ used by Google recruiters – 05/24/2023 – Market

If you want to work at Google, know that you are not alone. Every year, the American technology company receives millions of job applications.

The company’s selection processes are reputed to be very thorough, but it is also known for the way it treats its workers and the benefits it offers its employees.

In such a competitive job market, it’s important to show some kind of skill that sets us apart from the rest to get a job at companies like Google.

But before getting to the interview stage, the CV first has to catch the attention of the HR team.

Google recruiters claim that using the XYZ formula will increase the chances of being hired by the company.

This resume writing formula is a way to highlight the points you’ve excelled at throughout your career and make your copy more impactful.

And, added to other recommendations —like making the text easier to read or with a maximum of two pages—, it will immediately reveal how you made a difference in the companies you worked with.

The experts’ recommendation is that the chronology order your professional experiences, from the most recent to the oldest. That way, you’ll show a clear progression over time.

BUT WHAT IS THE XYZ FORMULA?

“Be specific about the projects you’ve worked on or managed. When in doubt, stick to the xyz pattern,” Google says on its blog.

The method works like this:

• X = corresponds to the result or the goal obtained. What did you get?
• Y = is how it is possible to measure the impact or justify that it was effectively a success. What was the impact?
• Z = is the part where you explain the steps you took to reach your goal. How did you do it?

This formula is effective because it focuses on results.

Show what you accomplished, how you measured your success, and what measures you implemented to make it happen.

This information is valuable to professionals involved in hiring because it helps them understand your skills and experience.

It’s probably easier to explain this using some examples from the very videos available on YouTube made by Google’s own recruiters.

For example, imagine a candidate who wants to explain that he participates in an event for developers.

Here’s a good, correct, and most accurate way to describe it on a resume, according to Google:

• Good: “I came second in a hackathon.”
• Better: “I came second in a 50-team hackathon.”
• Much better: “I came second in a 50-team hackathon working with two colleagues to develop an app that syncs mobile calendars.”

Here are Google’s advice for using the xyz formula in your resume:

Be specific. You shouldn’t limit yourself by saying that “website traffic has increased”. Instead, say how much traffic increased and how you measured it.

Use numbers and metrics. Quantifying your achievements makes them more impressive.

Be clear and concise. Use strong action verbs and avoid jargon.

Use keywords. Whenever possible, use keywords that are relevant to the position you are applying for.

PREVIOUS EXPERIENCE

The technology giant recommends that you ask yourself a few questions before starting an application for one of its vacancies and reflect on them.

Experts believe this invitation to reflect on yourself will help you create a picture of where you want to take your career.

• Did what I learned to do here make everything that came after easier?
• Have you achieved most of your achievements as the result of a solitary effort or teamwork?
• What do you like best: solving problems or driving debate?
• What is the most rewarding job you’ve had? Why?
• Describe the best team you worked with. Why does this experience stand out?

When preparing your answers, build a narrative: list concrete examples of where, when and how you demonstrated the skills employers look for in the job description.

These short stories about your achievements and past experiences should illustrate the value you’ve had in your previous jobs and what you’ll offer in your new role, should you be hired.

“Why this visualization exercise? Your skills, interests and goals are the result of your life, your experiences, your triumphs and your failures,” says Google.

“If we hire you based on your skills, we’ll hire a qualified employee. If we hire you based on your skills, your lifelong passions, and your diverse backgrounds and perspectives, we’ll find you a Googler. And that’s what we want,” he added.