Google denies qualified people all the time. They would much rather reject a great hire than take a risk on accepting a mediocre one. I feel for him but it's just the nature of the beast. Not everyone will get in.
This language sounds like chauvinism leading to closed-mindedness and efficiency. Of course there are tradeoffs to chauvinism, as Googlers possess the mind to notice. But a Googler does not need to worry about saying ambiguous truths without understanding their emotions to the masses, for they have Google behind them. With the might of the G stick, they can hammer out words with confidence.
The intent isn't to find good hires per se, but to whittle down the list of applicants to a manageable number in a way that doesn't invite discrimination lawsuits.
Same as why companies in the past used to reject anyone without a degree. But then everyone got a degree, leaving it to no longer be an effective filter, hence things like algorithm tests showing up to fill the void.
Once you've narrowed the list, then you can worry about figuring out who is "good" through giving the remaining individuals additional attention.
I have a suspicion that "good candidate" is being gerrymandered. What might have been "good" in 1990 might have become irrelevant in 2000+ or perhaps detrimental. I say that as someone who is actually good at algorithm questions himself. I think GP, as well as other Google defenders, are parroting pseudo-science.
I agree. But also if it works to get you jobs there, why wouldn't you defend it? I mean I might be inclined to do so as well, it guarantees me a place even if I lack soft skills for the role.
