There are alternatives but they are not necessarily better. E.g. academia seems to rely on references and publications for hiring. This seems closer to your wish of caring about "how good you have been". But consider the downsides - it is inherently more insular (to work for a famous professor you need a reference from someone, preferably also a famous professor) and also your thesis advisor can easily ruin your whole career.
Contrast that with our industry where a bright kid out of nowhere can study for the (imperfect, hackable, dehumanizing - I agree!) interview and have a realistic shot at that job at FAANG. At least I wish it still works this way, although of course it helps to be a Stanford graduate!
Contrast that with our industry where a bright kid out of nowhere can study for the (imperfect, hackable, dehumanizing - I agree!) interview and have a realistic shot at that job at FAANG. At least I wish it still works this way, although of course it helps to be a Stanford graduate!