A Google recruiter contacted me on the recommendations of one of my friends. I had many of the qualifications they were looking for but lacked recent software experience in the areas we discussed. I had several conversations with the recruiter and then had a phone interview with a Product Manager. I wasn't sure how it went, but finally got in touch with HR who replied that the PM thought I was "solid." They then flew me to Mountain View to have 2nd and 3rd round interviews. The schedule I experienced was much different than what they initially told me. I had been gearing up for the technical interview, but it was much like the other PM interviews. I found it odd that the interviewers didn't seem to know each other, as they came from different groups. I would go out of the conference room they set me up in and would introduce myself and the interviewers to each other. Later HR informed me that I lacked technical experience in their area. That wasn't a surprise given that was identified at the outset. The interviews didn't seem to elicit any of the other qualifications they were interested it. They only focused on this area where I was understandably weak. All in all though, it was a very interesting experience that I enjoyed greatly. The people I met were highly intelligent and the energy of their passion was clearly evident. I was excited about the position and had wished that I was chosen.