After my onsite interview at Google, I did not get the SRE position. They said they'd "send my file to other recruiters." Is this a common rejection?

The response you received from Google, where they mentioned they would "send my file to other recruiters," is not uncommon, but it does not necessarily indicate a standard rejection process.

When Google decides not to move forward with a candidate for a specific position, they might still consider the candidate for other roles within the company. This is often referred to as a "pipeline" or "internal referral" process. Here are a few points to consider:

• Internal Referrals: Google may forward your application to other recruiters or hiring managers who are looking for candidates with your skills and experience for different positions. This means you could still be considered for other roles at Google, even if you were not a fit for the specific SRE position you applied for1.

• No Guarantee: While this can be a positive sign, it does not guarantee that you will be offered another position. It simply means your application remains in their system and could be reviewed for other opportunities.

• Lack of Feedback: In some cases, as seen in the first source, candidates may not receive detailed feedback on why they were not selected for the initial position. However, being considered for other roles can still be a beneficial outcome1.

In summary, the statement that they will "send my file to other recruiters" suggests that Google sees potential in your application and is willing to consider you for other positions, but it is not a guarantee of future employment.