i'm currently waiting for the results of a couple of phone interviews, for a position here in Europe. It's the 2nd time i've applied. The 1st time i didn't make the 1st phone call, i was very nervous and almost didn't manage to answer the most basic of questions. This time, i came across a tweet from a googler who attended a GTUG event, announcing available positions in Europe, i ping'ed him and he booted my profile on their recruitment system. A few days after, i got an e-mail and a call from a recruiter and we had a nice talk, the guy was great and most helpful even after the 1st screening. I was setup 2 phone interviews with engineering googlers from Mountain View and i did my best to comply, although being interviewed by professionals that have been eating complex algorithms for lunch leaves a feeling that you'll hardly impress whatever you do or say. My overall experience with the recruiting process has been OK and if i don't make it would basically by not being match with their goals i guess. Also, i'd guess the number of applicants is immense.