Why Google Won't Be Offering Me a Job
Kirt's Cogitations™ #181

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Why Google Won't Be Offering Me a Job

There's a reason why Google is by far the #1 search engine, and why it's barely-weaned-from-mamma founders are multi-billionaires: Applying for a programming job at Google is not for the faint-of-heart. During its growth from 700 employees in 2002 to over 2700 in 2004, prospects were subject to grueling thought process, logic, and spatial orientation challenges. The 21-question test, examples of which have been published in such lofty editions as MIT's Technology Review, Mensa Magazine, and Physics Today, includes posers like, "How many different ways can you color a icosahedron with one of three colors on each face?" and, "On an infinite, 2-dimensional rectangular lattice of 1 ohm resistors, what is the resistance between two nodes that are a knight's move away?" The more subjective questions ask, "What is the most beautiful math equation ever derived?" or, "Write a haiku describing possible methods for predicting search traffic seasonality." Google also runs contests pitting coders against one another to solve complex algorithms, offering cash rewards, and engages in fierce recruiting tactics to lure top talent away from competitor search engine companies. Recently, Google bought billboard space in Silicon Valley that read, "(first 10-digit prime found in consecutive digits of e).com." Persons making it to the correct website were directed to another site with application information. So, how much do the victors receive as a starting salary? Google isn't saying, and no Google search turns up a reliable answer.