During a recent video interview with Google’s Executive Assistants team, I was asked, “Is there anything we can do to make the world a better place?” I jokingly said, “Take down Microsoft,” and explained that many of my engineer friends—and I—genuinely prefer Google’s products over Microsoft’s suite. Do any of you feel that Google products are better than Microsoft’s?

likefunny
Posting as :
works at
You are currently posting as works at

Oh that is funny because I actually prefer Microsoft products. I guess that is probably just because that is what we use and what I have gotten used to at this point.

like

Thank you for taking the time to reply to my post — I really appreciated your perspective! It’s always interesting to hear how personal experience and workplace tools shape our preferences.

Totally fair point — we all tend to lean into what we use most often. I think it’s great that tech gives us such a wide range of tools to choose from, even if we all have our strong opinions about which is “better”!

Thanks again for engaging with the post — it made the conversation more thoughtful and fun.

I couldn't agree with this more. I prefer every one of Google's products to Microsoft's. Gmail > Outlook. Sheets > Excel. Docs > Word. They all work so much more smoothly and feel so much more intuitive, Sheets especially. I am far from a spreadsheet guru, but I can create an awesome looking sheet in 20 minutes with Google's templates and help resources, whereas it'd take me 3x as long to do something similar in Excel.

like

I used MS my whole college career and at subsequent jobs. It was all I knew. At a new job, they used Google Suite and I was so lost until I realized I was overthinking it all. I now use Google Suite for personal use but had to find a new job -- they use MS and I hate it. I got used to Google's ease and intuitiveness. I see how MS has tried to duplicate some of Google's functionality but it's still a hassle.

like

Thank you so much for sharing your experience — I really appreciated hearing your perspective. It’s always great to hear how others have navigated the shift between Microsoft and Google products, and your story definitely resonated with me. I completely agree that once you get used to the simplicity and intuitiveness of Google Workspace, it’s hard to go back!

like

I like them both for different reasons. Google products play better with other operating systems, like Linux. MS works okay with Windows. I like the freedom of drawing stuff on Google's drawing program, but most of the time I prefer the plug-and-play Publisher templates. I find myself more capable in Excel than Spreadsheets -- or maybe that's just more training. I've done a lot in google docs, but I've been using Word since it came out, so I like the familiarity of it. Corporate policy and history? Google over Microsoft for sure. Currently, they're equally evil-ish.

like

Thank you so much for your thoughtful reply — I really appreciated your balanced perspective on both Google and Microsoft. 😊

I actually smiled when I read "currently, they're equally evil-ish" — such a perfect way to sum up how complicated big tech can feel sometimes!

Your insights into the strengths of both platforms really gave me a new way to look at them. I agree — Google tends to play nicer across systems, while Microsoft still has that familiarity that’s hard to beat. And yes, Excel vs. Sheets… that's a whole discussion on its own!

Thanks again for taking the time to share — I enjoyed reading your response!

like

In my personal life I use Google's products all the time, and all I use from Microsoft is the operating system. I don't see any point to paying to use Word or Excel when Docs and Sheets would be fine for what I need. In business situations I'll use whatever happens to be the standard in the organization, and that's often Microsoft. It's not something I really think about much, to be honest, they're just tools.

like

This sounds like AI

like

I’ve always leaned toward using Google products over Microsoft’s for a few key reasons. First, Google tools like Docs, Sheets, Drive, and Keep are incredibly intuitive, lightweight, and easy to use—especially for quick collaboration and real-time editing. They just work, without the clutter or steep learning curve.

Many of my engineer friends feel the same way. In our experience, Microsoft products often feel bloated and unnecessarily complex for everyday tasks. On top of that, Microsoft requires a paid license for most of its software, while Google offers a full suite of tools for free, accessible from anywhere with a browser.

At the end of the day, Google’s ecosystem just feels more user-friendly, efficient, and accessible—qualities that matter a lot in fast-paced, tech-focused environments.

like

My husband purchased Microsoft Office 2021 Professional Plus, but I had a lot of trouble installing it on my PC. I even asked an engineer friend to help, and after over an hour of trying, she gave up.

When I told her the main reason I needed Microsoft Office was just to update my résumé, she suggested using Google Docs instead. It turned out to be a great solution—Google Docs lets me easily edit my résumé and share it with potential employers and recruiters.

Honestly, it’s frustrating that Microsoft charges such a high price for a product that can be so difficult to install and use. I really hope more employers start embracing Google’s tools in the future—they’re more accessible, reliable, and user-friendly.

like

Although this answer has a bit of "camp" bias, it probably speaks out the voices of many engineers! Seriously speaking, this kind of healthy competition is actually a good thing for users. It forces both Google and Microsoft to constantly use their real skills to innovate. Personally, I prefer the Google suite in terms of the smoothness and simplicity of collaborative office work. lol

like

Thank you for your thoughtful and fun response! I really appreciated your balanced take — you're absolutely right that while my comment had a bit of “camp” bias, it does reflect how a lot of engineers feel. 😊

I completely agree with you that healthy competition benefits users the most. It keeps both companies on their toes and pushes them to truly innovate. Personally, I also prefer Google’s suite — it’s just so much smoother and simpler for collaborative work.

I really hope that more employers start adopting Google tools in the future. While Microsoft may have the longer history, I find Google products far easier to use and more in tune with how teams work today. If a company chooses to stay on the same track and refuses to innovate, it’s only a matter of time before its products are replaced by better ones.

Thanks again for sharing your perspective — well said!

like

Related Posts

Would you cancel an interview that's already scheduled if you've decided to take another job? Or go ahead and do the interview and decline if you receive an offer?

like

Anyone have TAS comp info for Senior 1 top 40 PA firms (Eide Bailly , Sikich , Weaver , etc). I have interviews but don’t want to scare them away with high salary expectations. MCOL. Having trouble finding info online. TIA

like

Recruiter reached out to me saying they wanted to setup a call to give me an update post my round 1 interview. What are the odds of a reject?

like

I'm a first yr attorney at an insurance firm and am in the process of interviewing for an in-house position at a tech company. The position is pretty much generalist, but I get the impression I'd be working mostly on SaaS and partnership transactions. I definitely think I would like the transactional work better, but I am concerned about the long-term earning potential vs. partnership. How common is it to eventually make $400k+ in-house/how difficult is it to transition back to a firm? Thanks!

like

What are some questions to ask in an interview to assess culture and WLB without sounding like you don’t want to work hard or put in long hours when it’s needed? And what are some red flags?

like

I cracked my interview in Accenture 2 weeks back and submitted all the documents. But it seems my candidature is on hold. Tried calling HR but they are not picking the phone. Any idea if this is rejection? Or when I will get office letter? Accenture

like

As someone with ADHD, have you ever asked for adjustments to the interview process (PST, case interview, etc.)?

If so, what did you ask for (extra time, or anything else else)? and did you feel like it helped?

likefunny
like
like

After technical interview, HR said that she 'your feedback is awaiting an approve from manager'. What does that mean??

Hi guys, I am a systems engg in TCS with 3 years exp. Technologies known: C, C++, Java, COBOL, Oracle DB, SQL, Unix/Linux, Shell scripting.
I had applied for Infosys in the company portal long back, but haven't got any replies yet. I am looking for the Developer/ Production support roles.
And I am in my notice period, lwd is 27th sept.
Also, have an offer from L&T with doj 29th Sept.
If any one can help me out with a interview referral, it would be great.
Thank you

Had a final round on 1/27. I was told that I was the first candidate on-site and they were interviewing a few more candidates and they would need a few more weeks until they could make a decision...

like

Does anyone know where in the org the CX Transformation practice sits? I’m interviewing for a role soon and I’m trying to learn more about it. Any guidance would be appreciated!

like

I need some advice. I have a Bachelor of Science Degree in Healthcare Administration with 20 plus years working in different Healthcare roles. I am working as a PBM Claim Specialist. What other positions can I apply for that is fully remote and better pay? Side note I am thinking of applying to nursing school sometime later down the line. Any advice will be greatly appreciated .

like

Hey everyone, I am in interview process with HSBC for position of UX Designer. This will be my 2nd interview, I have submitted the design assignment and it is called for next round. Can you guys help me with tips and tricks for this round. Every input is appreciated. HSBC India HSBC

like

I have an interview with Korn Ferry for an associate principal role and am curious about others’ experiences have been with work-life balance here. Also, I have an idea of what I should be compensated in this type of role, but any insights on how they pay compared to others would be helpful. Are you traveling during the pandemic or have client interactions been virtual? Lastly, if you are a consultant here, are you on billable hours? My current consulting role is not - so this would be new.

like

With everyone seeming to be “hiring” I’ve had job interviews with various firms: EY, Plante Moran, Doren Mayhew, Rehmann, to name a few..
Apparently I just suck at interviewing, or the firms in my area are not hiring. 🤦

like

Callback consisted of five back-to-back interviews with exclusively white men. No thanks.

like

How to respond to stakeholders and team mates when they say, "your approach is to academic". For context, conducted stakeholder interviews to theme data, and used initial codes, axial, emergent codes

like

Potential new job is flying me across the country….for a one hour interview. Red flag? Or just a formality since they want me to relocate so I can see what it’s about?

like

More Posts

Just completed my work out and got myself chicken nuggets. I mean what is even life

likefunnyupliftinghelpful

You lookin’ for me? Man, come find me.

And I’m not gon’ snatch your chain. I’m gon’ take it off politely.

So when I go back to sell it, it’s not damaged. Not even slightly🥱

likefunny

This is a long shot but anyone on here in Brazil? I need to hire a good Data and analytics person in Brazil. Must know sql (but not necessarily super advanced) and R or Python (but again not the most advanced)

like

Can any one refer me to Mercer for java technology?
Yoe: 2 years
Skillset: java springboot, microservices, Rest API, Hibernate.

like

Hi Team,
My friend is looking out for a job, She worked with Goldman Sachs, citi bank in corporate treasury and operation.
She is available immediately. Lead will be highly appreciated.

like

I am a new associate. I never know when to take initiative without stepping on toes or without asking for permission first. Has anyone ever felt this, and how have you dealt with it?

like

New to preferred stocks.. any recommendations on what companies to watch out and invest in

Highest number of billable hours you have seen in a year?

like

Help ordering the t15 based on prestige:
Dartmouth (Tuck)
Anderson (UCLA),
Darden (UVA),
Fuqua (Duke),
Johnson (Cornell),
Stern (NYU),
Ross (Michigan),
Yale (SOM)

likefunny

Have anyone hit the jackpot with crypto currencies?

like

How many things are you guys adding to your registry? Are they at various price points?

like

Dear TCSers,
How many of you are still Working from Home? Is WFO is not mandatory for everyone?

like

Am I understanding utilization rate correctly? It’s chargeable time over total time? Charged 40 hours and had 10 hours non-charge so my utilization is 80%? If so, wouldn’t it benefit me to understate non-charge hours so my utilization is higher since they only really care about chargeable time anyways? Charge 40 hours still but only put 5 hours non-charge for utilization to be 89% instead of 80%? Or am I misunderstanding how utilization works?

like

At any level above Senior, how do u manage the relationship between utilization and realization, which is an inverse relationship. Seems to be either blow the budget (and write it off), or eat a lot of time.

like

Recommendations for comprehensive books on the finance industry? I want to learn more about investment banking and modern financial instruments. Got a lot of free time during this lockdown

like
like

My husband has 3+ years of experience specializing in PL/SQL Development. Anyone have a lead for remote PL/SQL jobs? He's mostly looking on LinkedIn and working with recruiters, but is there better places to look? ZipRecruiter?

like

Anyone know of a fast track program for status on American Airlines or is it just the challenge you have to pay for?

like

Which are the best hotels for Consultants in Riyadh.

Additional Posts in EAs / Executive Assistants

Hi all! Has anyone had any luck finding a new job during this pandemic? I'm afraid I am about to be officially let go (was furloughed) and would like to start sending out my resume. Does anyone know of agencies that are currently hiring EAs/admins?

like

I’m in an interesting dilemma. Very interested in leaving my company, but I am also going through IVF. I know most new jobs require a year wait before you can go on maternity leave. Does anyone know a great company to work for that does not require this? Obviously, I’m getting a bit ahead of myself, but if this works, I don’t want to accept a job and not be paid for maternity leave because I am doing this solo. Appreciate all the help!

like

Hi everyone! I have been in my current role as an EA at a financial institution for about a year and a half now. I would love to find a 100% remote role as a mid level EA at a company with an awesome work culture. I think I’m ready to be challenged again, I find myself bored in my current role… I’m open to any industry but would love to get into tech. If anyone knows of any openings I would really appreciate it! I’m located on the East coast currently. TIA

like

Are there any ea roles hiring (mainly Chi but flex to elsewhere) with chill creatively minded environments? I am great at the work but can’t deal with the typical buttoned up seniority bootlicking LOL

like

Calling all Hard-working admins!

How do you plan and organize your work day?

I’m a new admin. I’m having a hard time juggling different people I support (calendar management, entering time, expenses etc) I feel I’m spending too much time on one task.

Any notebooks, do to list? Share tips and links please!

like

Just curious are there any EAs in the Las Vegas, NV area and what are your salaries?

like

Any tips on how to quantify work as an EA? I’m having trouble with this part but I’ve heard it’s necessary. Also what would be considered a KPI for an EA? That’s not something we tracked at my last job. TIA!

like

I spent three full days creating a case study for an Executive Assistant position I’m interviewing for. Has anyone else come across this? Do you think it’s overkill?

like

Does your office recognize admin appreciation day? Does your executive do anything to show their thanks?

like

Hello,

Would anyone be kind enough to help refer me to Google EBP?

Thank you in advance.

like

Anyone know of the EA salary range and culture at Chime?

likehelpful

Top EA horror stories? I could use a laugh - I know we all have one! Early in my career especially

likefunny

Do you find working remotely during this time that you’re having a harder time staying on top of everything that’s going on? With the scattered communication and a boss who hasn’t been as focused and can be hard to pin down, I sometimes think I’m giving 150% but something ends up lagging and I’m just wiped out. What are some of your tactics to avoid missed items and stay active and on top of everything through the Covid funk?

like

This is a question regarding all industry lines …. tax audit advisory etc. what is the ratio of support of partners MDs on your desk …. currently?

like

Which agencies/companies have gone fully remote for EA’s?

likehelpful

Recently accepted an offer to be an EA at Mc Kinsey. Can someone tell me what the standard “welcome kit” or equipment package is? (For Executive Assistants) Want to get an idea of what I’ll need for my home office.

like

I’ve recently started work at a very young tech startup. Coming from a big law background, this was a huge change of pace/environment. I’m having a lot of trouble getting used to how unstructured the startup is. It feels like hire ups give a set of instructions then talk as if they don’t remember, or then decided rules A, B, C and D applies without being clear this was the case. Is this just the general startup environment? If you experienced this before, how did you deal with It?

like

So anyone Opting In??

like

When I am looking at an email attachment in Outlook it shows the Google Chrome logo but when I open, it opens in Adobe which is what I want. Even though it is opening an Adobe, my boss would like it to show the Adobe icon instead of chrome next to the attachment… anyone know how to do this ?

like

New to Fishbowl?

Download the Fishbowl app to
unlock all discussions on Fishbowl.
That was just a preview…
Sign Up to see all discussions
  • Discover what it’s like to work at companies from real professionals
  • Get candid advice from people in your field in a safe space
  • Chat and network with other professionals in your field
Sign up in seconds to unlock all discussions on Fishbowl.

Already a user?
Login here

Share

Embed this post

Copy and paste embed code on your site

Preview

Download the
Fishbowl app

See what’s happening in your industry
from the palm of your hand.

A phone with Fishbowl app

Scan your QR code to download
Fishbowl app on your mobile

Download app

Sign up for free to view this conversation on Fishbowl

By continuing you agree to Terms of Use and Privacy Policy

Already have an account? Log in

Sign up for free to continue using Fishbowl

By continuing you agree to Terms of Use(New) and Privacy Policy(New)
Messaging rates may apply

Already have an account? Log in

For account settings, visit Fishbowl on Desktop Browser or

General

Legal