Software Engineer · Phone Screen · Coding

Apple — Software Engineer ❌ Failed

Level: Unknown Level

Round: Phone Screen · Type: Coding · Difficulty: 7/10 · Duration: 60 min · Interviewer: Very Unfriendly

Topics: Algorithms, Matrix Manipulation

Location: San Francisco Bay Area

Interview date: 2026-04-30

Got offer: False

Summary

I had a phone screen that focused on matrix rotation.

Details

My phone screen started with the hiring manager, who was 15 minutes late without apologizing. I explained my background and projects on my resume. The interviewer seemed unimpressed and questioned the depth of my experience. I was then asked to code a matrix rotation. I quickly coded a 90-degree clockwise rotation and then a counter-clockwise rotation. Then, I was asked to implement an arbitrary angle rotation. I asked for clarification on the output and how to handle non-integer angles, but the interviewer was unhelpful, stating I should figure it out myself. The interviewer then told me to write the code and my approach at home and send it to the recruiter, who would pass it along to him. I felt this was unreasonable and declined to do the take-home assignment.