Google Hiring Overview For 2023

Is Google on the Ban the Box list?

No, Google is not on the Ban the Box list. Having said that, we’re happy to report that they’ve signed the Fair Chance Business Pledge!

So, what’s the difference and why is this important to know if you want to get a job at Google with a felony? Here’s what we can tell you:

• Ban the Box is an initiative that encourages employers to take the criminal record check box off their application form. Therefore, if a company is on this list it shows that they want to treat all applicants fairly — even if they have a criminal record.
• The Fair Chance Business Pledge is a similar initiative. When a company signs the Pledge they’re publicly saying that they’ll give all applicants a fair chance. This includes those with a criminal background.

Does Google have special programs for hiring felons?

No, it seems Google has no such special programs. However, this doesn’t tell the whole story. Read on and we’ll do our best to answer the question: Does Google hire felons?

What are the odds someone with a felony will get hired?

In our opinion, the odds are average. To start, their website says they consider applicants with criminal backgrounds. That said, we haven’t heard from the company directly yet. While we know they’ve taken the Fair Chance Business Pledge, they haven’t signed onto Ban the Box. Since we don’t have their hiring policy in hand, we looked online for clarity and found nothing useful.

What are some entry-level jobs?

Almost all of the positions Google hires for, especially those demanding some tech expertise, require completion of postsecondary education. However, here’s one example of a good entry-level job:

Data Centre Technician — Install hardware such as ethernet and fiber optic cable and replace damaged parts. Depending on interest and ability, this position may lead to working with the software development team.

This is an example of a position that can help you get your foot in the door. From there, you can take look for training and other opportunities within the company that may help you move on to other jobs.

Tips to get hired here with a felony

Here’s a link to Google’s careers page. This is where you can do a job search. You can also find out about the hiring process, including interview tips for all roles (specifically technical ones).

Once you see a job you want to apply for, set up an online account with your email and upload your resume.

Google says that when they hire, they’re “looking for people who can bring new perspectives and life experiences” to their team. Keep in mind that, as a former felon, you likely have a lot of life experience to draw from!

Sure, you’ve learned the hard way about a few things in life — but think about how you can turn this to your advantage.

Your personal story about overcoming adversity and leaving your criminal past behind shows strength of character. Here are a few tips to demonstrate this during an interview:

• Be Honest — Tell the hiring manager the circumstances of your offenses and what you’ve done to avoid recidivism, such as completing a substance abuse or anger management program.
• Be Inspiring — Say what life lessons you’ve learned and how you’ve used them to help others. For example, do you coach kids in little league ball? Are you a mentor for a younger relative? have you volunteered at your church or do you help out at local homeless shelter?
• Be Committed — Describe what kind of an employee you’ll be for Google and what your past mistakes have taught you that’s helpful. Combine this with a willingness to learn and you’re showing your potential!
• Be Yourself —  Remember you have unique life experience, skill set and personality. Google wants to hire people who can work well as part of a team so they want to know the real you.

Yes, Google will do a background check. They don’t say specifically what they check for, however. That said, according to their Privacy Policy, they may verify any information you provide in your job application.

Here’s important information about background checks across the United States:

The following states will review your criminal record going back seven years:

• California
• Colorado*
• Kansas*
• Maryland*
• Massachusetts
• Montana
• Nevada
• New Hampshire*
• New York*
• Texas*
• Washington*

(* sometimes certain pay or salary bracket positions require one.)

In a small number of states, you won’t need to be concerned about charges where you were found not guilty. Here are these states:

• Alaska
• California
• Hawaii
• Indiana (limited check)
• Kentucky
• Massachusetts
• Michigan
• New York

Nevertheless, most states will look at your whole record — even those where you were found not guilty. These are:

• Alabama
• Arizona
• Arkansas
• Connecticut
• DC
• Delaware
• Florida
• Idaho
• Indiana (extensive check)
• Iowa
• Louisiana
• Maine
• Mississippi
• Missouri
• Nebraska
• New Jersey
• North Carolina
• North Dakota
• Ohio
• Oregon
• Rhode Island
• South Carolina
• Tennessee
• Utah
• Vermont
• Virginia
• West Virginia
• Wisconsin
• Wyoming

Company ratings

We took a look at what Google employees had to say online.

• Glassdoor — Based on 8,368 reviews, the company gets 4.4 out of 5 stars. 90% say they’d recommend Google to a friend and 94% approve of the CEO. What’s more, the company has been on the Glassdoor Best Places to Work for the past 11 years. Additionally, the CEO made the Top CEO list for six years in a row! Here are some comments from staff:
  • “Amazing company to work for.”
  • “The best place I’ve worked and also the most demanding.”
  • “Unique, one of a kind dream job.”
  • “Can confirm — is pretty ideal.”
• Indeed — Google gets 4.3 out of 5 based on 2,900 reviews. 88% of employees approve of the CEO and company staff like Google best for their work-life balance and culture.

What felonies Google will not hire

Google didn’t give us the names of the felonies that would put your application most at risk, but we’ve gathered a few in the next section that we think will give you a hard time.

What felony convictions might have a hard time getting hired here?

There are a few types of offenses that may make it more difficult to get a job at Google with a felony or, for that matter, a misdemeanor.

If you have a criminal history of violence such as assault and battery offenses, this may be an issue. They want to maintain a safe and healthy workplace for all staff.

Offenses related to substance abuse are another type that may cause you some difficulty for similar reasons.

Does Google hire sex offenders?

There is nothing online and nothing directly from the company on this. Google might hire sex offenders, but they haven’t made it known.

Does Google drug test?

No, apparently not. We found several online comments from employees confirming that they don’t drug test.

Have you applied for a job or worked here? Share your experiences!

Step up and tell us what you know. Any firsthand experience you have will really help us and our readers!