>not so sure Google is really interested in hiring the best engineers but rather a specific type of engineer.
Any mature company should focus on finding those specific candidates - the ones who fit the company and specific team, on several dimensions beyond standard skillsrequired for the job. That's someone who will be called the best candidate in that specific company. And it's absolutely natural that s/he won't be considered "best" insome other company.
Any mature company should focus on finding those specific candidates - the ones who fit the company and specific team, on several dimensions beyond standard skillsrequired for the job. That's someone who will be called the best candidate in that specific company. And it's absolutely natural that s/he won't be considered "best" insome other company.