📬 Google APM's 2021 full-time applications open next week
Apps will be open for just 3 days, so start preparing early
Hi everyone,
I wanted to quickly let you know that Google’s full-time APM applications will open next Monday, September 20th, and close after Wednesday, September 22nd.
This is an incredibly tight window; most years, the APM application stays open for one or two weeks, but this year it’s barely open three days! I think it goes to show just how competitive the APM program has gotten and, as a result, how much you need to start preparing ahead of time.
I’ll send more resume and interview prep materials on Monday, but for now, I’ll quickly cover the eligibility criteria and what you’ll need to apply.
Who’s eligible for Google APM
The official APM job posting isn’t accepting applications yet, but you can still read up on it ahead of time, which I strongly recommend, given how tight the timeline is.
In short, you can apply for the full-time program if:
You’re in an undergrad, Master’s, or PhD program and graduating between late 2021 and mid 2022; this includes current college seniors. Or, if you’ve graduated from one of these programs within the last few years (Google doesn’t specify exactly how long, but from my experience in the APM program, you can usually apply if you’re less than 2-3 years out from graduation.)
You studied Computer Science, Electrical or Computer Engineering, Applied Math, or a similar field.
The job posting says that the role is based in either New York or the Bay Area, but folks based in Europe can also do the APM program in London or Zurich. It’s unclear if that’ll be a separate application; you can follow this saved search to get notified if Europe-specific applications open up.
To answer a very common question: you can absolutely apply if you’re an international citizen! I worked with APMs from India, China, and many other countries during my time in the program. Note that it really helps to have pre-existing work authorization for the US, such as through STEM-related Master’s programs.
Have these ready before you apply
You only need a few things to apply: an unofficial university transcript and a one-page resume (not a full, multi-page CV). I’ll send more resume tips on Monday, but for now, check out some of the pointers from my recent post about the APM internship application.
Again, applications will only be open for three days, and to be safe you’ll probably want to apply on the first or second day (next Monday or Tuesday). So start getting your documents ready this weekend!
One technique I’ve found helpful is to assemble a generic “mega-resume” that’s two or three pages long, containing all of your relevant job experiences, skills, achievements, awards, etc. Then, all you need to do when you’re preparing an application for a specific job is to cut it down to one page, selecting only the sections and line-items that are useful for the job. If you can get this “mega-resume” ready this weekend, you’ll be ready to quickly compile an APM-specific resume once applications open next Monday.
Stay tuned!
I’ll write again on Monday morning (US time) to remind you that APM applications have opened. I’ll also include resume and interview-prep tips to help you get your application in ASAP and start gearing up for the next stage of the process: the interviews.
I’m a former Google APM, but everything I’ve written here is based on public information and my own opinions, and in no way reflect official Google information, policies, or views. Ask a Google recruiter for the official line!
To get notified when the APM application opens: