Standing Out from the Crowd: How One Account Executive Landed a Job at Google
It’s no secret that getting a job at Google is notoriously difficult. With millions of applications pouring in each year, it’s estimated that it’s nearly 10 times harder to secure a position at the tech giant than it is to get accepted into Harvard. But for account executive Mariana Kobayashi, who currently works at Google’s Dublin office, standing out from the crowd was the key to success.
Taking a Different Approach: Curating a Video Application
After being laid off from LinkedIn, Kobayashi set her sights on Google in June of last year. However, instead of submitting a traditional application, she decided to take a different approach by curating a video showcasing why she should get the role. The video highlighted her work experience and included pre-recorded references from former colleagues and industry friends. The whole process took about 10 hours, and after it was completed, Kobayashi used an email lookup tool to send the video directly to the hiring manager.
Going Viral and Catching the Attention of Google
Kobayashi’s video application didn’t go unnoticed. Not only did the hiring manager reach out to her, but she also posted the video online, where it quickly gained viral attention. As a result, Kobayashi received numerous offers for coffee chats and was made aware of potential positions from various people in the industry. This boosted her visibility and ultimately led the recruiter to contact her for a call.
A “Purpose-Driven” Application and Impressing the Recruiter
During the call with the Google recruiter, Kobayashi was informed that she was overqualified for the graduate scheme she had initially applied for. However, the recruiter was impressed with her video and LinkedIn content and promised to keep her in mind for future roles. Kobayashi followed up every two months, providing updates on her progress and activities. In September, she spotted a position for an account executive and decided to apply, even though she felt slightly underqualified. With the recruiter already on her side, Kobayashi’s “purpose-driven” application stood out.
Addressing “Red Flags” and Standing Out in the Interview Process
To address her lack of sales experience, Kobayashi sent two documents to the company after the interviews. One emphasized why a company should hire her, while the other detailed what she considered to be her “red flags” or gaps in employment. By acknowledging her weaknesses and outlining her plan to turn them into strengths, Kobayashi demonstrated her determination and commitment to personal growth.
Success at Last: Getting the Job Offer
Following a three-step interview process that included case studies and a leadership assessment, Kobayashi sent the documents to the interviewers, who responded positively. She diligently followed up with the recruiter on a weekly basis and patiently waited for a month to receive a response that she had made it to the final pool of candidates. Just a week later, she received the news she had been waiting for: a job offer from Google.
Analyst comment
Positive news. Analyst: Mariana Kobayashi’s unique video application and perseverance led to viral attention and multiple offers. Despite initial overqualification, her “purpose-driven” application stood out, addressing “red flags” and showcasing determination. She secured a job offer from Google. The market may see increased interest in creative application methods and the importance of standing out from the competition.
