Evaluating Technical Expertise

On the surface, Google's recruitment process looks similar to those of other companies. Like Microsoft and most large technology firms, Google gives candidates a more or less traditional series of tests.

Those applying for a technical position take the Google Labs Aptitude Test (GLAT), which is distinguished not only by its difficulty (with some fairly complex statistical and mathematical questions) but also by its originality and humor. For example, here's a sample question taken from an actual GLAT:

On your first day at Google, you discover that your cubicle mate wrote the textbook you used as a primary resource in your first year of graduate school. Do you:

A) Fawn obsequiously and ask if you can have an autograph. ...

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