I never worked for Google. They wanted to hire me after the first set of interviews, but I took a different opportunity at the time. Interview process was an intense, and the interviewers were sharp. I came out even more impressed with Google. This was way back in the day -- early '00s. I would totally be excited to work for that Google. It's just that, well, there are lots of awesome things to do, and I had (what seemed like at the time) a more interesting option. I sometimes had regrets and sometimes not.
Second process was maybe 2-3 years ago. It didn't get to a full onsite, since after a few conversations with the team, it was clear there wasn't a fit. The old arrogance was still there, but without the same sharpness or cleverness. I spoke to a team working on a new product (under NDA) in a field I had a lot of experience in, and:
1) There were computer scientists without a clear understanding of the target market domain.
2) They believed they were the best-and-brightest, and didn't need to consult experts in the field.
3) There was a lot of hype and salesmanship.
I like to be surrounded by smart people, and it felt like I'd be the sharpest guy in that room. I was a better computer scientist, AND better domain expert in the field the product was in than anyone on that team. That's not a position I want to find myself in.
And I have a job which pays a lot less than Google, but I'm surrounded by smart people I learn a heck of a lot from, where I'm working on meaningful things, and having fun. I'm also continuing to build my personal brand.
Now a few years later, the product they were working on never shipped, so if I worked for Google, I would have likely been on a failed project. On the other hand, my mortgage would likely be paid off.
I've see plots of number of employees too. I'm not sure how Google will dig itself out of that one.