Hey guys, I saw that list of questions posted at the end of the last thread (and the first post in this thread) and thought I'd take a shot at answering these
off the top of my head with no prior research. I have my interview in a few days (in the middle of my finals
oh well) so I'd like if someone could check my answers and tell me if they're on point. Maybe this will be helpful for anyone else too. If you have a different answer or phrasing, let's discuss it!
1). What would you do if your MacBook wasn't powering on?
Check if it was out of power and plug it in if this was the case (check for the simplest solution first) If it was plugged in already, then there may be an issue with the power chord. I'd ensure that it was fully connected to the wall. If that didn't work I'd try another power cord. All else failing, I'd bring it into the Apple Store since there may be a more serious underlying issue.
2). What would you do if USB device won't connect?
Unplug all USB devices and try every port. Otherwise I'd check Disk Utility to see if it's showing up at all. Could potentially be a power issue with too many USB devices plugged in.
(Does anybody know a better answer to this?)
3). What type of CPU do you have and what hardware does it have?
Answer depends on your computer
4). How to fix Mac mail?
Hmm...There are many issues you could get with Mail. Identify the specific issue first and then respond accordingly. For example, a common one is not being able to send or receive messages. This could be a problem with your Email provider (e.g. gmail, yahoo, iCloud, etc.) Do a quick search to see if anything is wrong on their side. Another common reason is server issues that Mail deals with, namely outgoing SMTP servers (IIRC.) Try seeing which servers aren't responding, all of them or just some? If it's isolated problem, just try reconfiguring the specific accounts to use the correct outgoing/incoming servers.
5). Hard drive memory vs RAM?
Both are data storing pieces of hardware, the main difference is how fast information is accessed. RAM is faster and temporarily holds memory that's in use currently. RAM is volatile memory storage compared to Hard drives which are meant for long term storage and have slower read/write times.
(how specific should I get?)
6). Define Wifi, hotspot, Bluetooth?
Wifi - Wireless internet.
Hotspot - Usually an area with which Wifi is available to connect
Bluetooth - Locally wireless connections between devices
7). Troubleshoot a wireless printer that won't connect
Check the wifi connection is working first. Make sure the printer has the wifi configured to the same network as your device you're trying to print from. That doesn't work? Try deleting the network and reconfiguring it.
8). How to restore deleted app?
All apps can be found in the purchased section of your App store app or iTunes. You can re-download it from there.
9). Describe a situation where you had to boot CPU in safe mode?
(I know a lot of you may never had occasion to do this, I think it's weird they would ask this but whatever)
I had some trouble with installing Windows via Bootcamp and eventually decided to just delete the partition entirely. I wasn't entirely sure that I had messed something up so I started up in safe mode to see if there was anything wrong and get a diagnosis if there was.
10). Someone drops an iPhone and it won't turn on what do you say?
I'm very sorry about your phone. Lets see if we can get it working again. If the buttons are still in ok shape, try doing a hard reset. If that fails, I'd recommend bringing it in to the Apple store. If you have an Applecare plan, we can replace it for you, but unfortunately we won't be able to replace it if you're on the limited warranty.
(not entirely sure what the replacement policy is, just saying what I remember from my specific situation)
11). How do you keep yourself in a positive attitude when you're stressed?
I calm down first and then do some positive affirmations in my head. It's simple, but it keeps me going in stressful situations, no matter what they may be.
12). What is empathy?
The ability to recognize the feelings and well being of another person as important as your own.
13). What is a hard drive?
A hard drive is a piece of hardware meant for long term storage of data.
14). How do you delete, move and create a group with an app on your iPhone?
Delete - press and hold on any app until they all start shaking, tap the 'x' on the app you wish to delete
Move - same as above except tap and drag the app to where you want it to go
Group - same as moving an app except this time move it directly over another app icon and a folder will be created.
15). When have you set a goal, accomplished something, and how did you over come the obstacles?
Personal question, choose an example that really highlights you. Make one up if you have too, but don't go overboard and be believable and genuine. Even if it's small example, it's still worth it if it showcases you.
16). You attempt to sync and iPhone to iTunes, what do you do?
Plug it in and look for the device in iTunes. Make whatever changes you want and click "apply"
17). What is an operating system?
Device level software that handles the interaction of software and hardware and allows for user input to control the system.
18). Why do you want to work for apple?
Personal question! We all have our reasons, be genuine. Make sure you emphasize specifically what it is about Apple that makes you want to work there. For me, it's quite simply all about helping people. I do it anyways so why not do it in an official capacity with Apple, a company know for it's outstanding customer service?
19). How would you troubleshoot an iPod?
First make sure it's fully charged. Most issues can be resolved with just resetting it.
20). What steps would you take if your Internet was not working but you had to start working in 3 minutes?
Hmmm...I'd try resetting the network while calling my advisor and letting them know about my internet issues.
(I honestly don't know the correct protocol in this situation)
21). What is the most recent technical issue you've had with your computer and how did you fix it?
I haven't had any issues for a long ass time so I'd make one up that showcases my ability to troubleshoot the problem. If you have your own personal problem then that's great, use that.
22). How do you think you will handle working from home without any coworkers
Although I do like face-to-face interaction, I can operate by myself pretty efficiently. I'd treat it like any other workplace really. I'd show up on time and ready to work, just as if my coworkers were there.
So there are my tentative answers. I'm not a tech genius, but I use Apple products on the daily for both personal and professional reasons so I tried to answer using my own experiences. Do you guys have better optimal answers for these type of questions? I know every interview is different, but I'd imagine seeing questions along the lines of these one, if not the same ones.
