My host at Google for my recent tour did say that engineers have limited say with HR and external hiring - which was one of her frustrations. I think this post

My host at Google for my recent tour did say that engineers have limited say with HR and external hiring - which was one of her frustrations. I think this post skips a big part of the experience at Google. One important use of the 20% time is to check out other areas and projects within Google. If you like the project, consider requesting a transfer to that project.