• Name: Jeff
• Title: IT Field Technician
• Office: London, UK
• Hometown: London, UK
• Education: BSc in Computer Information Systems from the University of Liverpool

Why did you decide to come to Google?

Before joining Google, I was working as a graduate IT consultant for a large international company. I found the job uninspiring and wanted a role that was more IT-specific and hands-on. When I saw the posting for a Field Technician at Google, it sounded like the perfect job for me and I applied straight away.

Why do you like working at Google?

I like the fast-paced environment of Google and the fact that IT is at the very core of the company.

What is unique about your role?

As a Field Technician, you need to be able to troubleshoot multiple operating systems to an advanced level, so you typically have more than one computer to hone your skills on. You also get to play with a large range of the latest-and-greatest IT gadgets, such as the new Android mobile phones.

What is your favourite perk/benefit from working at Google?

I love being able to come to work in jeans and a t-shirt. In my previous job I had to wear a suit every day. Being comfortable at work and not having to iron five shirts every Sunday evening is a big plus for me!

What has been the most amazing experience or day you've had at Google thus far?

Meeting Her Majesty the Queen when she visited the Google London office in 2008 was pretty amazing. I got to talk to her about my role at Google for about 20 seconds – but was so nervous I don't really remember what I said!

• Name: Louise
• Title: Associate Product Marketing Manager
• Office: London, UK
• Hometown: Poulton-le-Fylde (a small town in Lancashire), UK
• Education: Degree in Social Political Sciences from Cambridge University

Why did you decide to come to Google?

What really appealed to me about working at Google was that I really liked the products, the company's mission, and its ethos. It was really important to me to work at a company that was genuinely innovative.

Why do you like working at Google?

It sounds really clichéd, but my favourite thing about working here is the people. They really are a clever, funny, motivated, inspirational, and crazy bunch!

What cool projects have you worked on at Google?

I have really enjoyed working on the Google Photography Prize. This is a global competition for students to create themes for iGoogle. It has been great to work on a global project, and I am so excited to see the winning entries! I currently work on iGoogle, mobile, and developer products in consumer marketing. Last year I worked in business-to-business marketing – so I have worked on lots of really diverse projects.

What has been the most amazing experience or day you've had at Google thus far?

There have been so may fantastic things that I've had the opportunity to do. As an Associate Product Marketing Manager (APMM), I am part of a programme where I get go on a trip with my peers from across the world. Keeping in mind Google's mission to organize the world's information and to delight their users globally, the aim of the trip was to better understand these markets through interacting with local Googlers, clients, and users. My group went to Beijing, Shanghai, and Tokyo, and I had some of the most amazing experiences not only of my career at Google – but of my life!

What are your goals at Google? What are you working to achieve?

My goal is to double the number of iGoogle users in the UK and Ireland this year. That, and persuade someone on my team to get a dog and bring it into work!

What's been the biggest surprise about working at Google?

I was very pleasantly surprised about the amount of responsibility you are given from the start. Coming in straight from university, I had visions of tea-making and filing for months, but you actually get to input ideas, work on your own projects, and really get involved right from day one!

• Name: Robert
• Title: Product Manager
• Office: London, UK
• Hometown: Loftus, Cleveland, UK
• Education: BA in Economics from the University of Manchester

Why did you decide to come to Google?

The opportunity to work on new ideas with almost limitless scope for innovation was hugely appealing. I was also often frustrated by process in my previous role – it was considered more important than the product itself most of the time. While I was interviewing a friend who had recently joined Google texted me to say "You'd love it here – I so hope you join", and that made me particularly keen.

Why do you like working at Google?

Every day throws up new challenges and difficult questions – and fortunately we have a lot of really smart people around to tackle them.

What cool projects have you worked on at Google?

Google Mobile App, which makes it easier to search using your mobile phone, is pretty nifty. It includes search by voice, so you can just say what you're looking for. I also work on Google Suggest, to save keystrokes when you type, and My Location, which makes it really simple to find things like shops and businesses near you. It's been a lot of fun to work on, and I think we've got some great ideas for how to make it even better.

What is unique about your role?

At many companies, the product managers are either technically-focused or marketing-focused – at Google we're almost always both. We think about the high-level requirements for product but we also get involved in many technical decisions.

What is your favourite perk/benefit from working at Google?

The freedom to think big is a real benefit, and being so well-fed at the same time is handy...

What are your goals at Google? What are you working to achieve?

I try to build products which people will enjoy using and I think that mobile devices have a huge part to play in making information accessible to the vast majority of the world. We still haven't made mobile products easy enough to use and that's the big challenge we face every day.

• Name: Amanda
• Title: Account Coordinator
• Office: London, UK
• Hometown: London, UK
• Education: BA in Communications from Leeds University

Why did you decide to come to Google?

I, like millions of people, have been using Google and Google products for years and I thought it would be great to be a part of something so innovative and, more importantly, so valued in everyday life.

Why do you like working at Google?

It has to be the people. You get to meet a range of people from all different backgrounds, cultures and countries but they are all bright, extremely diligent, and good fun. I work with an amazing team. Things move really fast at Google so to know that you have the support of conscientious, insightful and proactive friends makes all the difference. I genuinely believe I couldn't find a better group of people to spend every day with, and I look forward to coming to work every day.

What cool projects have you worked on at Google?

I am currently working on a gadget for the sales team with an engineer in Zurich!

What is your favourite perk/benefit from working at Google?

I know everyone says this but it's got to be the food! London definitely has the best food in the whole of Google – the Banoffee Pie is really popular so you have to get to the canteen fast if you want a piece!

What's been the biggest surprise about working at Google?

Even though it's now such a huge company, and has such a large presence in the world, it was such a surprise finding small, closely-knit teams of bright people. It's never felt like a corporate machine, and we continue to take risks and try new things.

• Name: Sam
• Title: Site Reliability Engineer
• Office: London, UK
• Hometown: Buxton, Derbyshire, UK
• Education: Bachelors in Computer Systems & Electronics from King's College in London

Why did you decide to come to Google?

Some of my friends worked at Google and the culture sounded awesome. I was working for an investment bank at the time and really wanted to experience working at a leading technology company. Google was top of my list! I also wanted to be able to go to work in jeans and trainers...

Why do you like working at Google?

At Google I get the chance to work on some really cool products which are used by people all over the world. I work with some of the smartest people in the industry in a really fun and creative environment. Also, the chefs in London create fantastic meals each day – I'm constantly waiting for it to be lunchtime again!

What cool projects have you worked on at Google?

I'm currently a member of the team who looks after our AdWords and AdSense user-interfaces and APIs. We make sure our advertisers and publishers are able to get to our products wherever and whenever they like. My team never sleeps – we're always watching – 24 hours a day, 365 days a year! Being responsible for something used by such a large number of people across the globe is highly rewarding.

What has been the most amazing experience or day you've had at Google thus far?

I've had lots of great experiences at Google – one of my favourites was when we had 'Superhero Day' in the London office and everyone dressed up as their favourite superhero. Seeing Batman, Robin, and Superman in a meeting was absolutely hilarious! There was also a time when some Googlers in Mountain View brought a pony into their first-floor office. The thought of them cramming a pony into the elevator still makes me laugh.

• Name: Caitlin
• Title: University Programmes Specialist
• Office: London, UK
• Hometown: Livingston, New Jersey, USA
• Education: Bachelors in English and Fine Arts from Saint Joseph's University in Philadelphia, Masters in English from University College in London

Why did you decide to come to Google?

I saw Google was advertising for London-based roles and, as a long-time user and big fan, I couldn't ignore the opportunity to apply. I was excited about Google from the start, but it wasn't until I visited the London office for face-to-face interviews that I really fell in love. After meeting Googlers, learning about their work and experiencing the office environment, I knew I wouldn't be happy anywhere else. Luckily, I got the job!

Why do you like working at Google?

Each day presents massive challenges and new opportunities for innovative solutions. Googlers recognise that there's always more than one way of looking at a problem and aren't afraid to experiment with radical ideas. This mindset often means a lot more work – but work isn't something Googlers are afraid of. I think this challenging, creative atmosphere is what I like best.

What is unique about your role?

At Google, your role is really what you make of it. I've never met a Googler who only does what it says on his/her job description. Personally, I'm really interested in writing and communications (I have a Masters degree in English), so I take every opportunity to mesh these elements in with my daily work. I love writing, so I started a blog where I interview engineers about what they do and translate their responses into non-techy speak for everyone to read.

What is your favourite perk/benefit from working at Google?

Believe it or not, my favourite perk/benefit isn't the food – it's something much more mundane. I really like Google's relaxed attire and work space policies. Like many of my fellow Googlers, I'm not the suit-wearing type. I work best in environments where I can relax and make myself comfortable – without worrying about a dry cleaning bill! It's great to see managers and VPs walking around in jeans and t-shirts – suddenly, everyone becomes much more approachable. Also, it's fantastic to know that you aren't expected to sit at your desk all day long. If you want a change of scene, just find yourself a beanbag or microkitchen and make yourself at home.

What has been the most amazing experience or day you've had at Google thus far?

It's incredibly hard to pick just one. I've done so many amazing things through Google. I've seen the world, I've been able to positively impact the lives of others – I've even met the Queen of England! However, I believe the most amazing experiences are often the smaller ones. On my birthday a few years ago, I arrived at the office to find my desk and the surrounding area completely covered in photos of myself as a baby. It seems my team had got in touch with my parents and somehow convinced them to forward over every single baby photo they could find. I couldn't stop laughing, but was also incredibly moved that my teammates had gone to such lengths just to get a smile out of me!

What's been the biggest surprise about working at Google?

Other than finding my baby photos all over my desk? I've been surprised by my fellow Googlers. I didn't think it was possible for this many hyper-intelligent, hyper-creative and hyper-nice people to be in one place at the same time. My first months were replete with revelations: 'You mean that guy invented T-9 predictive text? What?! No way?!?!' and so on. Further surprises occur when you find out that the same guy who invented T-9 predictive text, or interactive TV, or some cool Android app is also super into comic books, 80s metal, and is a 10-time marathon runner. Googlers are incredibly multidimensional and you can easily find something in common with anyone – and loads to be impressed by!

• Name: Jacoby
• Title: Technical Lead/Manager
• Office: London, UK
• Hometown: London, UK
• Education: BSc in Computer Science from University College in London

Why did you decide to come to Google?

I'd come into contact with Google when I co-founded a technology startup in Santa Clara. So the startup folded (hey, they mostly do!) but it was a blast. The guys I met at Google during that time clearly shared much of that startup mindset. But let's be honest – with a little less of the risk attached! So yes, it seemed like the place for me.

Why do you like working at Google?

It's full of very bright people who help each other and love technology, and never stop working out how to make things better. The company is also great for travel, meeting new people, broadening your horizons – it gives you the scope to make a great impact.

What cool projects have you worked on at Google?

I've worked here on the AdSense project, particularly the AdSense Front-end. This is a web-app with very complicated interactions with almost all Google products, from Analytics through the Ads serving infrastructure through payments to publishers. It's cool because it's huge, not just from a business point of view but more because it has terrific potential for technical innovation. That's what interests me.

What is your favourite perk/benefit from working at Google?

The restaurant in London is terrific. I think it's the best in Google actually, though everyone has their local favourites. I like cycling to work, being able to shower on arrival, the breakfast, the top-line espresso machine (you need training to use it!)... it's an awesome workplace.

What has been the most amazing experience or day you've had at Google thus far?

Interviews. Sounds weird, but they were fun and challenging and I really had no idea whether it was a good day or bad day!

What are your goals at Google? What are you working to achieve?

I want to drive the success of my AdSense publishers through innovation – getting their experience more and more productive by giving them information they need and allowing them to serve their advertisers ever more effectively.

What's been the biggest surprise about working at Google?

How you are free to make your own impact. There's lots of pressure of course – there are too many good people for that not to be true – but you have surprising freedom to act as you see fit.