Ex-Googler On How to Land a Job in Big Tech

FINDING THE "SIDE DOOR"

If the above avenues don't work, it may be that you lack the appropriate skills or background to land an interview. In this case, you may need to find what we call the "side door." This is explained in the following excerpt from The Google Resume:

"How do you get into Google? Work for Microsoft (MSFT)," Jason, a Microsoft Program Manager, jokes. As much as this comment may have been said in jest, it has some truth to it. The best way into company or role may be an indirect path.

In addition to joining one company so that you can eventually transfer to another, you may want to consider joining your dream company in a less-than-dream job. Technical recruiter Barry Kwok points out that a role like an Office Manager at a start-up can be an easier avenue into the tech world for those who lack specific qualifications.

"At a start-up, office managers do everything under the sun," Kwok explains. "As the company grows, you can begin to specialize in an area like HR. Couple that with an additional night course or two in HR, and all of a sudden you're the perfect candidate for a full-time HR position."

Contract roles can transition into full-time roles, program managers can move into marketing, and start-up employees can pivot to major companies. Being flexible with what jobs you'll take, and being creative in pursuing them, is the key to landing jobs with the major tech companies.

-- Written by Gayle Laakmann McDowell for CNBC.

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