Apple | Language Engineer | Barcelona | 11/2023-01/2024 [Reject]

I applied for an AI/ML - Language Engineer position at Apple in Barcelona. My background includes a BS in Computer Engineering and Mathematics, and I am currently pursuing an M.Sc, with 6 years of experience as a Software Engineer. The interview process, which took place between November 2023 and January 2024, began with an introductory phone call.

Following this, I had three main interviews:

• Interview A: Project Management and Scripting (60 minutes)
• Interview B: Machine Learning and NLP (45 minutes)
• Interview C: Tech Learning & Problem Solving (45 minutes)

Interviews B and C primarily involved a series of questions designed to assess my knowledge and experience in ML-NLP, as well as my approach to hypothetical scenarios and problems relevant to the role.

Interview A was more structured and included specific questions and a coding challenge. The questions in this round (first 40 minutes) focused on:

• Explaining what a Hash Table/Map is, how to implement it, and strategies for dealing with collisions, including methods without using extra space.
• Based on my CV and previous experience with C#, I was asked about the difference between dynamic and static libraries.
• Explaining the difference between Depth First Search (DFS) and Breadth First Search (BFS).
• My understanding of DevOps and my experience with it.
• GIT-related questions:
  • What is the difference between git rebase and git merge?
  • How would I investigate a breaking change introduced between a high quantity of commits?
  • What is my favorite git command and why?

The coding challenge in Interview A (15-20 minutes) consisted of two LeetCode problems:

• Contains Duplicate (LC easy)
• One Edit Distance (LC medium)

I successfully completed both coding challenges, though the second one was barely within the time limit. Overall, I felt I performed well on most of the topics and questions. However, I personally believed I might have lacked professional experience that was directly relevant to this specific role when compared to other candidates. Ultimately, I received a rejection, with the feedback stating that Apple had 'moved on with other candidates'.