For some people, getting the chance to work for Apple seems like one of the coolest jobs on the planet. Being surrounded by everything Apple. Super discounts on iMacs. Talking to customers about how incredibly magical the products are. If that all sounds awesome to you, then go ahead and disregard the fact that it’s easier to get into Harvard University than to get a job at Apple.
Here is Cult of Mac’s first-hand look at how the Apple hiring process plays out.
How to get a job at an Apple Store
Spending copious amounts of time on Apple’s website on March 2, I stumbled across the hiring section of the site and thought to myself, “Hmmm, why not apply for some jobs and see what happens?” Figuring nothing would come of it due to my blogging background, I submitted my resume for a couple of desk jobs in Cupertino and Los Angeles, then applied for all the available retail positions in the Phoenix area.
Apple interview process and questions
Within two days of submitting, I was shocked to get an email inviting me to an Apple Career Seminar at a Phoenix hotel in two days. I was told I had to reply within 24 hours because slots were filling up quickly.
The first interview at an Apple Career Seminar
This interview was a large group event. About 30 candidates for open Apple Store positions were waiting to get into the group seminar when I arrived. Speakers blasted MGMT and Apple employees cheered in their usual Launch Day fashion as we walked into the conference room.
The session lasted approximately two hours. During that time, we were treated to some videos showcasing what it’s like to work for Apple. We also met some managers and were asked questions (as a group) about Apple and its products.
In a public speaking portion, 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.
Toward 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.
Note: During the seminar, it’s helpful to raise your hand on every question and act super-excited about everything Apple.
The second interview: A 15-minute phone call
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 toward the position.
She asked me more questions for about 10 or 15 minutes, then asked if I could come in for an in-person interview the next day. Questions asked included: “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: In-person at the Apple Store
I arrived for my third Apple interview on time at 9 a.m. However, I was told that the manager who was going to interview me was busy and I was asked to wait 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. (I’m fairly certain this is accurate.)
While waiting for my interview, I acted extremely interested in the iPod shuffles and nanos on display (particularly the finish and headphone jacks). I also 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 9:30 a.m. interview. We were told we would be interviewed together.
A twist — it’s a joint interview
During our one-hour joint interview, we were mostly asked to recall past work experiences and situations. Some of the questions were repeats from the previous 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.”
They also let us 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.
Note: 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’re really wanting a job with Apple, I would recommend casually dressing like all the hipster guys you find at the store.
The fourth interview: A talk with the Apple Store manager
Five days after my first in-store interview, I went back for an interview with the Apple Store’s head manager. By this point, I had been surprised that no one had questioned 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 five years?” “What do you want to achieve by working at Apple?”
The manager was really nice and laid-back. We engaged in a good 20-minute conversation. At the end, he told me I should be hearing about a job offer within 72 hours.
The rejection: A brisk phone call means no job at Apple for me
An entire week went by before I heard anything back from Apple. Finally, at seven days since my last interview, the manager’s secretary called. She told me 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. That seemed a little odd, considering 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 of Apple’s standard protocol.
My tips for hopeful Apple employees
1) Get a referral. If you don’t know anyone who works for Apple, then go to the store, express interest and meet employees. A friend at the store sent in a referral for me after the seminar, saying it puts you ahead in the hiring process.
2) Be outgoing at all times. Whether it’s at the Apple Career Seminar or during your one-on-one interviews, make a point of being friendly. And not only to Apple employees, but to other people around you, too. Maybe it’s my adoration for Apple’s highly calculated nature. Or perhaps it’s pure paranoia. But everything — even the small things — seems to be graded.
3) Fit the mold. Apple doesn’t hire based on technical knowledge alone. The company also hires based on personality. Spend some time at your local Apple Store if you haven’t lately. That should give you a feel for the type of people Apple hires. Pay attention to the way the Apple employees dress and the way they interact with people.
4) Know the Apple products. You don’t need to know everything about all Apple products, but it’s helpful. I was the only person at the Apple Career Seminar who could explain what Joint Venture was and why the switch to Intel chips from PowerPC was important. It helped me stand out. The head manager remembered me afterward.
Final notes on how to get a job at Apple
Obviously, the questions and time frames will vary slightly from place to place when you set out to get a job at your local Apple Store. The format of interviews should remain about the same, though, because Apple is a company that loves uniformity and simplicity.
This post offers only a peek into the first steps of landing a job at Apple. However, these tips and info on questions asked at Apple job interviews should prove valuable to anyone hoping to join Cupertino’s ranks.
Of course, this is all coming from a guy who got rejected…
