'Fundamentally, we are nuts'...That's how Rajan Anandan sums up his description of the typicalGoogler. Over a video call, the Google India MD's excitement and energy shines through as he takes Team ET through the whys and hows of people management in Googlistan. And for the record, Anandan and his team of nutty Googlers will be taking the top slot — for the third time. 

How much time do you spend personally on people issues?
I would say 15-20 per cent of my time is spent on people issues. I am very involved in our hiring process and that takes a lot of time because of the rigorous selection that Google is famous for. Apart from the one-on-one meetings I have with my direct reports, I also sit down with various team members across our office very regularly to chat about what's going on. Google is very planned but also very open. 

A Google search on how to crack a Google interview throws up 2,520,000 results. What do you look for in an employee?
We have a very structured process. Interviewers are trained in what to look for, what questions to ask etc. We look for problem-solving capabilities and we have an 8-page methodology on how to evaluate a candidate. We tend to hire generalists who are smart, adaptive and good at many things. 

Interviewers will look for these 3-4 qualities and each interviewer will focus on one or two of the areas. Secondly, we look for role-based knowledge. Thirdly, we check if the person has the leadership and teamwork skills to work in an extremely collaborative environment. And Googlers also have a variety of interests — arts, culture, sports etc. You will have 5-7 interviews over a period of time and even if one says no, you are out. 

The cost per employee spent on welfare of employees by Google must be the highest in any industry...
Yes, we spend a lot on our people. Our compensation and benefits are the best in the world. Equally important for us is the environment we create for Googlers. We have massage centres in all 3 locations, health food counters, the works. We invest in our offices to make them fun and colourful. 

For example, we have a Bollywood Room in Mumbai. Google provides a great platform for career development and mobility. In fact, a large number of our employees travel abroad to work in different Google offices for 3-6 months. If you hire the best, you have to give them the best. If the food does not deliver on day one, he is out.