How to use Google Forms for hiring at your startup

When you’re early-stage and don’t want to spend on hiring software, Google Forms can actually do the job. It’s free, fast, and easy to share. Many Indian startups still use it to collect and screen job applications - especially for roles like interns, freelancers, and early hires.

Here’s how to use Google Forms for hiring without making it a mess.

1. Create a simple but effective form

Start with a clear title like “Software Engineer Application - [Your Startup Name]”

Include these basic fields:

• Name, Email, LinkedIn (or portfolio/GitHub link)
• Role applying for (drop-down)
• How did they hear about you?
• Work experience (in years)
• Short paragraph: “Tell us about one project you’re proud of”
• Resume upload (enable file upload option)
• Optional: Skill-specific questions (e.g. rate yourself in React/SQL/etc.)

Tip: Don’t make it too long - under 10 questions is best. If it takes more than 5 minutes to fill, many won’t apply.

2. Share the form in the right places

Once the form is ready, get it in front of the right folks:

• Your website’s careers page
• Social media - LinkedIn, Twitter, WhatsApp groups
• Ask current team or advisors to refer and forward
• Relevant Telegram/Discord groups (if role-specific)
• Job boards like AngelList India, Internshala, Hasjob - link back to your form

Keep the form open for a limited time (7–10 days works well).

3. Use Google Sheets to track applications

Each form submission goes into a Google Sheet - use that sheet to:

• Filter by role
• Sort by experience or skill
• Leave comments or ratings (add extra columns like “Shortlisted”, “Notes”, etc.)
• Share with your co-founder or team for review

This works great when you’re doing less then 100 applications per role.

4. Respond quickly and personally

Top candidates won’t wait. Once you shortlist:

• Email them within 2–3 days
• Mention where you found them and why you’re interested
• Include next steps (e.g. short call, task, etc.)

Even a basic message builds trust: “Thanks for applying! We loved your GitHub projects. Would you be open to a 20-min call this week?”

5. When to upgrade from Google Forms

Once your volume grows or you’re hiring for 2–3 roles in parallel, it gets hard to track everything manually. That’s when startups move to:

• ATS tools like Notion + Zapier, or
• Recruitment platforms like Nirnay.io for automated JD creation, resume screening, and ranking

But till then, Google Forms can go a long way.

For early-stage hiring, simple tools work - if you stay organised. When you’re ready to scale, Nirnay.io helps Indian startups streamline hiring with auto-screening and smart workflows, without needing an HR team.