How to Get a Data Center Job at Google

Sean Seshadri

For those who have never worked in a data center or furthermore worked on Google’s data center team previously then you wouldn’t understand what it takes or have the expertise that is needed to join Google’s data center. The ability to have a have a flexible and sharp mind is also two traits that can get you in the door alongside having expert knowledge. Joe Kava, who is the VP at one of Google data centers for nine years and he even mentioned that there is no textbook like a game show that you can refer to. As mentioned by Data Center Knowledge. Although the previous years managed to hire over 100 people in a year, the hiring rate has slowed down a little despite the industry growing at a rapid pace. More than likely not knowing how to enter this specific job industry.

Sean Seshadri

How Google operates
Google’s data center is a hands-on job because the skills that are learned are learned on the job because Google was the first to build support applications for its network. The need for versatile, talented Operators to expand their infrastructure within the cloud platforms at a universal scale is at a competitive all high. Joe Kava has also mentioned that the technology that Google possesses was created in-house, so it’s near impossible to have someone with that exact expertise. As mentioned before, the hiring rate has slowed which is opposite for the industry, but this is because the core team of Google as of now is big enough to where hiring can be stagnant at times. But don’t let that deter you from applying for a data center career at Google.

What to have
To get your foot in the door, there are a few traits that will mark you as hirable. For instance, having a general cognitive ability is the number one sought after trait that even those at Google possess. You also want to be well-versed when it comes to troubleshooting. Many tasked handled at the data center include software. So being able to initiate a protocol when the systems fail or figure out solutions in various scenarios is looked for, too. Coming from Joe, so this is important because he does the hiring, he hires based on the company’s overall staffing philosophy that Laszlo Bock, who was the former senior VP of operations, created. The want to be in the data center sector is being popular to where it is also becoming harder to get hired.

Ideally, if you have prior experience with the following, they are something that will also help you get hired at Google in their data centers: the ability to manage servers and install operating systems, troubleshoot and properly configure network connections, and complete service maintenances to increase production. The knowledge needs to be there, but you personally do not have to complete these specific jobs because they are automated now. But that is to be expected in IT work centers and large facilities. So, what would you be doing? Facilitating the process and being the human error fixer. Having the ability to learn and adapt is also a behavioral trait that will be assessed.

Furthermore, having knowledge of computer science, electrical, or mechanical engineering are ranked as number 2, 3, and 4 as far as comprehension goes. If you have skills in design and operations that are not limited to electrical and mechanical engineering, security, and statistical probability analysis. Expert knowledge in control systems is becoming important. Google’s data center network has become a very complexed world, therefore, being as versatile as possible can make you a great candidate.

Education
When it comes to education, it is looked at carefully. As mentioned above, many of those skills and knowledge are obtained when studying as an undergrad and graduate. If you have a degree in engineering, more than likely your resume will stand out to Kava. Don’t be disconcerted if you have not completed higher education. You are still able to apply and get hired, but a college degree is preferred. If nothing more, remember that expertise is the most important factor.

If the data center industry is not on your “jobs to apply to” list then visit the tech blog of Sean Seshadri. Sean Seshadri has been speaking about the tech world for years now and has valuable information for techy individuals that are interested in uncovering more about the tech world.