The interview process begins with several 30-minute technical phone interviews. (In my case, there was no HR phone screen.) These phone interviews are basic technical background reviews with textbook questions. Hours later, I was invited to an on-site interview in Cupertino. It was much harder than I expected.

The on-site interview consisted of 15 one-on-one sessions, each lasting 30 minutes, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. non-stop, with a lunch interview at 12 p.m. Each interviewer had a different background, so their questions could be very challenging at times.

From my point of view:

• Don't wing it. If you don't know, just say no. Imagine 15 people asking you questions from every technical background; you would probably need three PhDs to answer them all correctly. So, just be honest, and they will truly appreciate it. I missed a lot of questions, and on some, I had no idea. All I did was tell them I didn't know and show my potential to learn.

• Pay attention to detail. That's very important. Be well-prepared for your presentation and materials if they are interested. Try your best to show how focused you are on details. Get extra copies of your printed materials and bind them neatly.

• It's all about communication. Communication during an on-site interview is even more important than the technical part. They want to know who you really are and whether you'll be good to work with in the future. So, once you've passed the first round of interviews, be smart and always show a good attitude. Keep smiling at all times.

I received the unofficial offer hours later. The interview process was overall positive, and all the interviewers were very nice. They showed enthusiasm for their jobs during the interviews.

Hope this helps, and good luck.

Be well prepared for typical HR questions.