Before you throw Google and Apple into the same bucket consider this: There is no unified job description for a Software Engineer at Apple, and it will often va

Before you throw Google and Apple into the same bucket consider this: There is no unified job description for a Software Engineer at Apple, and it will often vary depending on which VP or even Director you report to. At Google, there is a ladder comprised of specific milestones that you must meet that is agreed upon by committee and used throughout the entire company. At Google, you almost never know which team you will land in before you interview. At Apple, you probably know who your future manager will be before you interview. (Source: I have worked at both companies.)