> For instance, a Google recruiter once told me to spend a few months becoming a Python expert, and then they'd interview me (in Python);
Most SWE hires are generalists at Google, not tied to a specific language.
Unless you're being hired for a specialist role, you should absolutely be able to interview in the language of your choice. It's sometimes harder to put together an interview slate for a less popular language, but that definitely shouldn't make your recruiter force Python.
> Also, I imagine it's that much worse for people outside the Bay Area.
Actually, FAANG companies are some of the only ones with strong compensation in offices all over the country and globe.
Most SWE hires are generalists at Google, not tied to a specific language.
Unless you're being hired for a specialist role, you should absolutely be able to interview in the language of your choice. It's sometimes harder to put together an interview slate for a less popular language, but that definitely shouldn't make your recruiter force Python.
> Also, I imagine it's that much worse for people outside the Bay Area.
Actually, FAANG companies are some of the only ones with strong compensation in offices all over the country and globe.