This is Cult of Mac’s exclusive column written by an actual Apple retail store genius who answers all your questions about what it’s like to work at an Apple Store. Our genius must remain anonymous, but other than “Who are you, anyway?” ask anything you want about what goes on behind that slick store facade.
This week our Genius dishes on what it’s like to go through the hiring process at Apple, along with details on the best ways to score a gig working behind the Genius Bar and how to ask out that hot genius you’re crushing on.
If you’ve got a question you want an inside scoop on, send us your questions and the answers will be published first in Cult of Mac’s Magazine on Newsstand. Send your questions to newsATcultofmac.com with “genius” in the subject line.
What’s the best way to get hired at the Apple Store?
Apple looks for talented individuals who are passionate about helping people enrich their lives through their products and services. They want happy, friendly people who can start up a conversation with anyone. If you’re interested, spiff up your resume and apply for the retail store at apple.com. If you know anyone at the Apple Store you are applying at, ask them to submit a employee referral. If at first you do not succeed, try again. Stores receive a huge amount of applications so it may take a couple tries to get an invite to an open house for an hiring event.
The hiring events usually have a large group of people. While Apple looks people who know their product, they first look for someone who is nice, whether talking to a fellow applicant, a manager, or a disgruntled customer. Participate enthusiastically in all steps of the interview process even if it seems a little cheesy. Make sure to show a passion about providing the best experience in and out of the store for Apple’s customers.
If you get a second interview it will most likely be in a group setting again although smaller. Make sure not to get too boastful of your achievements. If you must brag, mention the successes of your team as a whole. Team players are a must. Show interest in other people’s responses and make it a group activity. Those who are willing to learn and work as a team to provide the best customer experience will make the cut.
How did you deal with the ridiculous and humiliating interview process? Did the lobotomy hurt?
I really needed a job at the time. I talked with someone who had already been through the interview process that gave me a heads up of what to expect. I knew they’d be looking for someone with an attitude that followed the company’s values. I went along with it all and said what I thought they wanted to hear. I even clapped when everyone else clapped.
I had several group interviews and they were pretty tough. You weren’t just on the spot with an interviewer but also with the other applicants listening to your responses. I was glad to be done with it all once I got the job offer. As for the lobotomy, it may have made the core training a little less torturous.
Can you date customers? Any tips on how to ask a Genius out?
Dating customers is against Apple policy. The policy protects both the employee as well as the customer. I have seen customers who come in consistently to get “help” from the same employee multiple times who are definitely interested but this only makes the employee less likely to actually pursue something.
If you are love struck by your technician at the Genius Bar, I suggest the straightforward approach. Ask for a card and give them your number maybe or ask them if you can have their number. Don’t be surprised if they say they can’t contact you, but tell them to call you outside of work. Don’t let a little Apple policy keep you from your love connection, but don’t make them completely say no by coming on to someone while they are at work.
