How to Land a Job at Google, Apple, and Amazon: Insights From Top CEOs

Landing a job at major tech companies like Google, Apple, and Amazon is a dream for many, and insights from top CEOs can provide valuable guidance.

1. Understand the Company Culture

Google (Sundar Pichai’s advice): Google values creativity, innovation, and a collaborative mindset. According to Sundar Pichai, Google looks for employees who are “curious and collaborative problem-solvers.” Candidates should demonstrate how they work well in teams and how they have shown innovative thinking in the past. They also value diversity in thinking and approach.

Apple (Tim Cook’s perspective): Apple’s culture is about attention to detail and creating products with exceptional quality. Tim Cook emphasizes the importance of a “passion for excellence.” Candidates should be prepared to showcase how they can contribute to building game-changing products and how their personal values align with Apple’s commitment to innovation.

Amazon (Jeff Bezos’ insights): Jeff Bezos famously emphasized customer obsession. Amazon seeks employees who are customer-focused, fast learners, and able to innovate on behalf of the customer. Bezos once said, “Be stubborn on vision but flexible on details.” Candidates should focus on showing how they have executed big ideas while also being adaptable.

2. Master the Interview Process

Google: The interview process at Google is notorious for being tough but thorough. Google focuses on problem-solving skills, technical expertise, and how you think. Pichai has mentioned that being good at articulating how you solve problems and understanding the “why” behind it is crucial. Expect a mix of behavioral and technical questions.

Apple: At Apple, interviews often center around creative thinking and how you can contribute to the company’s product ecosystem. According to Tim Cook, Apple looks for people who don’t just want a job but want to “do the best work of their lives.” Candidates should prepare to be challenged on how they can help push boundaries.

Amazon: Amazon’s leadership principles play a huge role in the interview process. Bezos’ company is known for using these principles to evaluate candidates, from “Customer Obsession” to “Deliver Results.” Be prepared to answer situational and behavioral questions that tie into these principles.

3. Technical Expertise and Problem Solving

All three companies look for top-tier technical talent. Whether you’re applying for a role in engineering, design, or management, you must demonstrate strong technical knowledge relevant to the position.

For Google, expect coding challenges and algorithm questions (for engineering roles).

At Apple, the technical aspects of the interview often relate to product development and system design.

Amazon focuses heavily on technical skills, but also emphasizes your ability to solve complex problems and think about scalability.

4. Focus on Impact

Google: Pichai believes in hiring people who think about long-term impact. When applying to Google, it helps to have a track record of making meaningful contributions in previous roles.

Apple: Tim Cook has highlighted how much Apple values candidates who are “idealistic about how technology can serve humanity.” Show how your work has positively impacted others.

Amazon: Bezos always prioritized results and getting things done. Amazon rewards those who can move fast and execute ideas that matter to customers. Showcase any measurable results you’ve delivered in past projects.

5. Cultural Fit and Leadership Principles

Google looks for candidates who align with their mission to “organize the world’s information and make it universally accessible.” You should share how your personal values and work align with this vision.

Apple seeks candidates with a passion for quality and perfection. If you’re someone who obsesses over details, Cook’s advice is to show it in your interview.

Amazon uses its 16 leadership principles as the foundation for assessing candidates. These principles, including “Bias for Action,” “Frugality,” and “Ownership,” are more than just a framework—they are deeply embedded in Amazon’s culture. Bezos recommends aligning your experiences with these principles.

6. Adaptability and Growth Mindset

Google: Pichai highlights the importance of flexibility. The ability to learn, unlearn, and re-learn is crucial at Google. Show that you’re not just skilled today but capable of adapting to future challenges.

Apple: As Apple is constantly innovating, Cook looks for candidates with a willingness to push boundaries and take on new challenges. Being open to change and always looking for ways to improve is key.

Amazon: Bezos valued “long-term thinking.” He often spoke about hiring people who were not just prepared for the present but ready for the company’s vision years down the line. Showcase your ability to adapt and grow with the company’s evolving goals.

7. Passion, Drive, and Curiosity

Google: Pichai believes that a curious mindset can lead to great ideas. Google values employees who are passionate about learning and exploring new solutions.

Apple: Tim Cook once mentioned, “The best people are not motivated by money.” Apple wants people who are driven by a passion to make a difference. Demonstrating a genuine enthusiasm for Apple’s mission can set you apart.

Amazon: Bezos hired people who were willing to go the extra mile to deliver results. Candidates should show their passion for both the work and Amazon’s customer-centric focus.

8. Prepare for Behavioral Interviews

All three companies use behavioral interviews to evaluate how you’ve handled real-world situations. Google and Amazon, in particular, often use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result). Be ready to walk through your experiences in a structured way.

9. Diversity and Inclusion

Google: Pichai has emphasized the importance of diverse perspectives. Candidates who can bring unique experiences and ideas to the table are highly valued.

Apple: Cook has also focused on diversity, not only in hiring but in the types of products Apple creates. Apple wants individuals who will contribute to a diverse and inclusive work environment.

Amazon: Bezos focused on hiring diverse talent to create a stronger, more innovative workforce. Showing how you can bring a unique perspective to the company will work in your favor.