Few people know the real identity of the programmer who’s written some of the most-read tech books in the country. Leading security groups and loved because of his forthright nature, the anonymous coder whose secret alias is Harry H. Chaudhary has been giving useful advice on core Java programming for years.

But many of his fans find Chaudhary’s career advice more useful. As part of a recent project looking into technology education publishers, App Academy staff put together notes on what happens to applicants when going through the interview process at top companies in the Valley.

Check them out below.

The Apple Interview

If you think the Cupertino-based company appreciates individual expression and creativity simply because of your familiarity with its flashy marketing ads, you’d actually be kinda right. Apple’s interview process is known, Chaudhary says, for its emphasis on personal connections, creativity, and its minimal reliance on bureaucracy.

They’re looking for good technical skills but are more interested in a passionate applicant