Sample Outline for Positive & Negative: Google Software Engineer

NEGATIVE EVALUATION:

Title: Now Hiring: Innovative Workaholics

1. Introduction to the Software Engineer Position
2. Judgment/Thesis: While Google offers many prestigious opportunities for young developers, it may not be the ideal company for the independent, creative engineers it actually hires.  

3. Support 1: Google Engineers are overworked.

4. Objection: The work environment is fun and you have 20% of your time allotted for your own creative projects.

Refutation: While that 20% seems to be appealing, testimonials from workers indicate that the demands of the other 80% tend to use up most of the employees’ energy.

4. Support 2: Co-Workers are too competitive with each other. There is not a common goal that is put above individual achievement.

22. Competition actually creates motivation and brings about better results.

Acknowledge/Concede: That’s true. If you are highly motivated by individual achievement, this competitive environment could work for you.

6. Additional thoughts, criticisms. Final recommendation.

POSITIVE EVALUATION:

Title:  The Rewards of Google

I.  Shared Standards: All software engineers want to be part of developing cutting edge products. They are typically very intelligent and get bored with mundane tasks. They also want the opportunity to see their ideas put into real products and affecting people's lives.

II. Google appears to offer many of these needs, including a challenging workload, an opportunity to be on the forefront of computer software in the commercial and industrial fields. Not to mention, the pay is very good.

III. Despite these advantages, Google doesn't completely measure up. The workload is often overwhelming and the community is overly competitive for many employees.

IV. Reason 1: Hours and Demands are Too High for New Hires.
-Cite evidence from research & interviews

V. Reason 2: The Competitive Environment leads to resentment between supervisors and managers in various departments.
-tell story from employees

V. Additional criticisms and recommendations. Conclusion: Perhaps a google job is good for the short term, but I wouldn't make a career out of it, especially if you want a life outside of work. If you are young, single and highly competitive, perhaps this is right where you would like to be.