Why Trying to Copy Google's Hiring Process Could Be Hurting Your Business
Let’s face it: Google is a giant. They’ve got the brand power, resources, and global presence to attract the top 1% of tech talent with ease. But here’s the thing—your business isn’t Google. And that’s okay.
Yet, many companies fall into the trap of copying big tech hiring practices, hoping to replicate their success. They adopt complex hiring processes, set unrealistic benchmarks, and aim for the kind of talent that flocks to tech giants like moths to a flame. The result? Time wasted, budgets stretched, and positions left unfilled.
If your hiring strategy is modelled after Google’s, you might unknowingly be setting your business up for failure. Let’s break down why copying big tech hiring doesn’t work—and what you can do instead to recruit exceptional IT talent.
The Problem with Copying Big Tech Hiring Strategies
Google’s hiring process is legendary—think brain-teasing interviews, multiple rounds of assessments, and a focus on hiring only “the best of the best.” But what works for Google doesn’t necessarily work for everyone else. Here’s why:
- The Scale Gap: Google’s recruitment machine operates on a massive scale. They receive thousands of applications daily and have the resources to sift through them efficiently. For smaller or mid-sized companies, this level of scale is simply unachievable.
- The Brand Power Advantage: Google’s name alone attracts top-tier candidates. Smaller companies often don’t have the same level of brand recognition, making it harder to draw in the same calibre of talent using similar methods.
- Unrealistic Benchmarks: Setting hiring benchmarks that mirror big tech can result in a mismatch. You might spend months looking for a unicorn candidate that doesn’t exist—or worse, overlook great talent because they don’t tick every single box.
Instead of building a hiring strategy tailored to their needs, many companies waste time and resources trying to replicate systems designed for a completely different league.
The Hidden Costs of Copying Big Tech
At first glance, copying Google’s hiring process might seem like a good idea. They’re successful, after all, so their methods must work, right? Not exactly. Here’s what happens when smaller companies attempt to mimic big tech hiring:
1. Time-Consuming Processes
Lengthy interview stages and complex assessments might work for Google, but for your business, they could be a bottleneck. The longer it takes to hire, the more likely you are to lose top candidates to competitors who move faster.
2. Missed Opportunities
Google can afford to hold out for the “perfect” candidate. But for other companies, focusing too much on a narrow ideal can mean missing out on skilled professionals who could have been a great fit with a little training or onboarding support.
3. Budget Overruns
Google has deep pockets. Their hiring process, which often includes multiple assessments, extensive interviews, and even relocation packages, can be expensive. For smaller organisations, mimicking these strategies can blow through recruitment budgets unnecessarily.
4. Frustration for Candidates
Not every candidate wants to jump through endless hoops to land a job. Overcomplicating the process can lead to frustrated applicants who drop out midway, leaving you back at square one.
In short, copying big tech hiring can lead to wasted time, money, and effort—all while leaving critical roles unfilled.
Why a Tailored Approach is Better
Instead of trying to copy Google, it’s time to focus on what works specifically for your business. A tailored hiring strategy can help you attract the right talent without the headaches of overcomplicated processes.
Here’s what a more effective recruitment approach looks like:
- Clear, Flexible Job Descriptions: Focus on the skills you truly need, rather than creating a laundry list of requirements. This opens the door to a wider pool of candidates who can grow into the role.
- A Streamlined Interview Process: Keep interviews and assessments relevant to the role. Avoid dragging things out unnecessarily; speed and efficiency can make all the difference in IT recruitment.
- Focus on Cultural Fit: Technical skills are important, but so is ensuring that a candidate aligns with your company’s culture and values. This leads to stronger retention rates and more productive teams.
By tailoring your hiring methods to your organisation’s unique needs, you’ll see better results—faster and more cost-effectively.
Coburg Banks: Your Partner in Modern IT Recruitment
If you’re ready to step away from copying big tech and start building your own hiring strategy, Coburg Banks can help. With years of experience in IT recruitment, we understand the challenges businesses face in finding the right talent—and we know how to solve them.
How Coburg Banks Can Help
Here’s what sets Coburg Banks apart:
- Expertise Across IT Roles: Whether you need a data scientist, software developer, or cybersecurity expert, we specialise in sourcing talent across a wide range of tech positions.
- Tailored Recruitment Solutions: From permanent roles to contract staffing, we adapt to your specific needs, ensuring you get the best candidates for the job.
- Deep Industry Knowledge: Our team stays on top of tech trends and the ever-changing demands of the IT industry, so you don’t have to.
We don’t just find candidates; we find the right candidates—those with the skills, experience, and cultural fit to thrive in your organisation.
Imagine What’s Possible
Picture this: a recruitment process that works for your business, not against it. A process that delivers the talent you need to drive innovation, stay competitive, and achieve your goals.
With Coburg Banks, you’ll have access to a pool of exceptional IT professionals and a team of recruitment experts dedicated to your success. No more chasing unrealistic benchmarks or wasting time on strategies that don’t deliver.
Ready to Build a Smarter Hiring Strategy?
It’s time to stop copying big tech hiring processes and start focusing on what works for your business. Let Coburg Banks help you design a recruitment strategy that’s efficient, effective, and tailored to your needs.
Learn more about our IT recruitment services, or book a call today to speak with our team about your hiring challenges.
Say goodbye to unrealistic benchmarks and hello to talent that drives your business forward.
