Probably some of you would be excited to work in an Apple store, especially since you would have the opportunity to test some of the newest products launched on the market. The hiring process is quite complicated, but an editor al cultfmac he decided to try to get a job at the Apple company even though he writes on a blog not approved by the company. He filled out a form for a job application from the company's website and waited to be contacted by those from Apple in order to set up an interview. Below is his entire story, which ended with him not being hired, probably due to the fact that he told them where he was writing. He describes the process as more difficult than the admission to Harvard, but of course we are talking about a subjective opinion. Enjoy your reading.
The First Interview: This interview was a large group event. About 30 candidates for open Apple Store positions were in attendance waiting to get into the group seminar when I arrived. Speakers blasted MGMT and Apple employees were cheering in their usual Launch Day fashion as we walked into the conference room. Lasting approximately two hours total, we were treated to some videos showcasing what's it's like to work for Apple, introduced to some managers, were asked questions as a group about Apple and their products, and had a public speaking portion where we each stood in front of the group to introduce the person next to us. A group of six managers sat at the back of the room taking notes on everyone's responses and actions while listening to the speaker. Towards the end we were broken off into groups of six and took turns answering typical job interview questions: "Why do you want to work for Apple?" "Explain a time you didn't get along with a co-worker." "Tell me about a time when you had to deal with an angry customer" etc. At the conclusion of the meeting we were told we'd be informed within the next 48-hours if we made the cut.
Notes: During the seminar it's helpful to raise your hand on every question and act super excited about everything Apple.
The Second Interview: I received a phone call 72 hours after the "Apple Career Seminar." The person on the phone asked how I liked the hiring event, if I was still interested in pursuing a career with Apple and if so, which position I was seeking. I was informed that they don't hire Geniuses without having them start at the bottom as Apple Specialists, but I could work my way towards the position. She asked me some more questions for about 10-15 minutes and then asked if I could come in for an in-person interview the next day. Questions asked: "Tell me about your technical experience." "Tell me about a time you had to do something technical without knowing how to accomplish the task beforehand," etc.
The Third Interview: I arrived for my interview on time at 9am, but I was told that the manager who was going to interview me was busy and I was asked to wait around for a few minutes. The experience at the group seminar made me feel like every response I made (whether it be to a question or situation) was being evaluated (and I'm fairly certain this is accurate). While waiting for my interview I acted extremely interested in the iPod Shuffles and Nanos (particularly the finish and headphone jacks) and talked up the security guard and a few employees. Thirty minutes passed before the manager came out to interview me, by which time another candidate had come in for his 9:30am interview. We were told we would be interviewed together. During our 1-hour interview we were mostly asked to recall past work experiences and situations. Some of the questions were repeated from the past two interviews, like "Why do you want to work for Apple?" Others included "Tell me a time when you didn't meet your own expectations." "Tell me a time when you exceeded the expectations of others." "Tell me a time when you went above and beyond for a customer." We were also allowed to ask questions about the inner-workings of the Apple store. The interviewer was incredibly nice and helpful and told us we should both hear back soon about coming in for another interview.
Notes: I was specifically told over the phone not to wear a shirt and tie to this interview (I had worn one to the seminar because that's what I had chosen to wear that day out of personal preference), so I went with a bow- tie and suspenders (sorry Apple, not everyone loves t-shirts). If you really want a job with Apple I would recommend dressing casually like all the hipster guys you find at the store.
The Fourth Interview: Five days after my first in-store interview I went back for an interview with the head manager. By this point I had been surprised that no one had asked me about blogging for Cult of Mac (Apple has little love for blogs that post rumors). This interview changed all that. We started out with easy questions, like the standard, "Why do you want to work for Apple?" Then I started getting more personalized questions: "What websites do you visit for news?" "How did you get started with Cult of Mac?" "You want to get a PhD in English Lit, how does that fit in with Apple?" "Are you ok with not being allowed to blog anymore?" "Are you sure?" "Where do you want to be in 5 years?" "What do you want to achieve by working at Apple?" The manager was really nice and laid back. We had a good 20-minute conversation at the end of which he told me I should be hearing about a job offer within 72 hours.
The Rejection: An entire week went by before I heard anything back from Apple. Finally, seven days since my last interview, the manager's secretary called me to let me know that even though they enjoyed getting to know me they were going to "move in another direction." Before I could even get a question in she hung up the phone on me, which was a little odd seems how everyone else had been extremely welcoming and polite. I've heard from others that they only received an email for their rejection notice, so I'm not certain what standard protocol is for that.
