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We all know that working for Google is every geek's dream.

But it's not so easy to get into Google, is it?

The Google Recruitment Math Problem on Highway 101 (Source: MathWorld.wolfram.com)

Google is famous (or infamous) for its technically challenging and psychologically strenuous (but sometimes, creative) hiring process. Several years ago, a large billboard displaying a curious math problem can be seen on the 101 (towards the San Jose direction). The math problem was, "{ first 10-digit prime found in consecutive digits of e}.com" As you can plainly see, the answer to the math problem is part of a URL that will lead you to several more challenging math problems. And if you can happen to solve all those problems, the Google recruiters invite you to e-mail the solutions to them. After which, hopefully, you will receive a call for interview (where more challenges lie ahead).

But once you are in, you will be pampered like it was the dotcom days all over again! Google's Benefits Package is almost Mythical and Legendary here in the Bay Area (try getting that from Chinese-, Taiwanese-, or Indian-owned IT Companies). Onsite Child Care Facility; learning opportunities and tuition reimbursement; FREE onsite laundry; FREE GOURMET lunch by reputable chefs; and incentives for fuel-efficient vehicle purchases are only the very icing on the Google Benefits Cake. Read the 'Top 10 reasons to work at Google' and the Google Benefits Package (Mountain View Office only. The benefits for the foreign Google offices, though different, are still very attractive, e.g. the U.K., Switzerland, and France).

 Working at Google (Source: Google)

So, if you can't get into Google, there are several other High Tech Companies that take really good care of their employees, reports CNN. Among the highly sought-after perks in the high tech industry are empowerment, flexible work schedule, paid-sabbatical leave, family-friendly culture, and community involvements.

In the struggle to ensure profitability, a lot of really creative companies have forgotten what it is to be a fun and caring organization. Sure, they put a lot of emphasis on people (it's not about the Technology, it's the PEOPLE, STUPID!), but very often they are talking about the CUSTOMERS and would never think twice about throwing that loyal as a Labrador employee to the curb when the books are in the red. That is just BAD KARMA. Interestingly enough, this week's theme seem to be centered around Karma (read my article on Internet Karma).
Companies like Google are great for one reason: they have the best people behind them. And how do you recruit and retain the best people? You treat them like people, and then some.



This article is by YC from the Technocrat Soapbox - Guest Blogger