[duncan_bayne]

I don't know if it helps, but I interviewed twice at a large company here in Melbourne (for a role as a contract developer).

The first time I was rejected for being "too opinionated" for the likely team I'd be in, second time I was accepted. And I'd say the first rejection was spot on too, I don't think I'd have been a good fit for that team.

Bear in mind that a 'failed interview' isn't necessarily a failure on your part; it might just mean that the company doesn't think you'd have been right for the job. If possible do push really hard to get honest feedback in as much detail as possible; if it's a good recruitment process, such feedback can be a goldmine of personal improvement opportunities.

[mturmon]

Insightful.

"Bad fit for particular job" != "poor candidate in general"

Sometimes the interviewer can see this better than the candidate.

[B-Con]

And note that one of the companies mentioned by the OP (Google) is very up-front about screening for "culture fit".

Sometimes people get hired and then get very unhappy with their "fit" in the company or the way things are done. Some people leave within 3 months. It's nice when they screen to avoid that.