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Apple job interview

aethier

aethier

macrumors 6502a
Original poster
Feb 1, 2003
594
0
Montréal, Canada
Hello everyone

I an interview for a job at the Apple store opening in my area. I am just wondering what to expect if anybody here has already gone through one. Do we have to dress formal or will casual wear be ok, what sort of questions do they ask...

Any tips would be greatly appreciated

Adam
 
They have a lot of information about your questions on the actual Apple website: http://www.apple.com/jobs/retail/index.html

They also specifically say not to get all dressed up, as they say, "There is no dress code at Apple..." So I would assume that you dress and be yourself, I mean that's what they want to see...I don't know if this helped at all, but good luck...

P.S.
You probably won't get anyone who actually works at an Apple store to reply. If I'm not mistaken, they are forbidden to post on these types of sites...
 
I had worked at an Apple Store. The best thing you can do is mention what iLife apps and pro apps you're experienced with. Also let them know that you want to help those who are consider switching over. That's what I did and the manager was like, "well, pending your background check it looks like you're our guy."
 
Thanks both of you those are some good pointers,

in regards to this comment;

Onizuka said:
"well, pending your background check it looks like you're our guy."
Click to expand...

What exactly are they checking, I have a very clean background, though I am curious.

thanks

Adam
 
they are checking the usual. Criminal Record, etc. etc.


My question is, do they do drug tests? I know the hospital did where i work for of course.
 
They are going to check and see if you have a criminal record and most likely drug test you. They just want to make sure your a safe person and don't have any medical conditions or criminal records.
 
truz said:
They are going to check and see if you have a criminal record and most likely drug test you. They just want to make sure your a safe person and don't have any medical conditions or criminal records.
Click to expand...

Medical conditions can not be disclosed to companies, i am pretty sure. or at least that is what i think HIPAA is for
 
eva01 said:
Medical conditions can not be disclosed to companies, i am pretty sure. or at least that is what i think HIPAA is for
Click to expand...

Yes, that would be illegal for a number of reasons.

It's just a glorified, hourly retail job. They will probably check your criminal record and call your old employers.
 
Here's my advice as a retail manager who does a lot of interviewing:

-Dress up a little. If your normal attire is jeans, a t shirt and sneakers, throw on your one pair of khakis and a button down shirt (tucked in). I generally don't notice what people are wearing when they interview with me unless it is clearly sloppy (a t-shirt, a sweatshirt, etc). Business casual to an interview says you respect the interviewer and the company.

-A background check means criminal/drug. They cannot turn down your application based on health or disability issues alone. (Unless the stated job requirements include "Must be able to lift 50lbs" or something along those lines. Then they can choose not to hire you if you can't meet that requirement.)

-Do your homework. Scout the store out a bit. I am always impressed with people who come in 20 mins early, walk around the store, and start the interview with "Wow, this store is really nice. I've been in your ___ store and I really like how this one is laid out" or something along those lines. It personalizes the interview as well as makes it clear you are excited about that particular store as well as the company.

-Have 1-2 questions that may or may not get answered in the interview. If they get answered over the course of the interview, when the interviewer asks you if you have any questions, mention that your question(s) were/was ____ and it was answered in the interview. It lets the interviewer know that you walked in thinking about the job, not the paycheck, and if the question was previously answered that you paid close attention during the interview.

-Relax, and show your passion. In retail, that's what you want to come through above and beyond anything else.
 
The advice I have for you is for after you already have the job. I never worked at an Apple store, bit I did work as a salesman at a musical instrument store. I'm sure working for the Apple store is much better than where I worked, but I still think it is important go into a job like this with an even head. It will be cool for a lot of reasons, you'll get to talk Mac stuff all day and be able to play with all the cool new toys, but it's not all gonna be fun and games. You'll still have to be constantly interacting with people all the time whether you're in the mood or not, you'll have to do things like take inventory and attend store meetings, and other not great stuff like that. So after you have the job, just realize that there will be fun parts to it and there will be not fun parts to it. Don't let any of the bad parts bother you too much because, while it is a cool job in many ways, it's just a job and you probably won't be working there for the rest of your life. So be excited, be enthusiastic, but don't let any of the bad stuff upset you.
 
motulist said:
The advice I have for you is for after you already have the job. I never worked at an Apple store, bit I did work as a salesman at a musical instrument store. I'm sure working for the Apple store is much better than where I worked, but I still think it is important go into a job like this with an even head. It will be cool for a lot of reasons, you'll get to talk Mac stuff all day and be able to play with all the cool new toys, but it's not all gonna be fun and games. You'll still have to be constantly interacting with people all the time whether you're in the mood or not, you'll have to do things like take inventory and attend store meetings, and other not great stuff like that. So after you have the job, just realize that there will be fun parts to it and there will be not fun parts to it. Don't let any of the bad parts bother you too much because, while it is a cool job in many ways, it's just a job and you probably won't be working there for the rest of your life. So be excited, be enthusiastic, but don't let any of the bad stuff upset you.
Click to expand...

its all good, I am currently a sales manager at a local computer store, so i have plenty of experience, this is just my first job for a huge company, plus it is Apple...
 
Apple Job Interview

Apple Group Interview
Well, I can tell you my experience. About a month ago, I applied to my local Apple store. I am an out of work teacher and an avid Apple fan so I thought, why not. I get an email invitation to a group interview. It went well. I was emailed for a second interview. I arrived for the second interview - and two hours later, they finally were "available" to talk to me. Out on a bench in the mall. Whatever.....

That interview went well also. I even asked them what their thoughts were about me - was I a good prospect, and they said absolutely. They liked that I could speak intelligently about a product I knew a lot about and that I was professional. I don't have any tattoos or piercings like the other "Specialists" but I didn't think that would hurt my chances. The managers told me I would have a third interview and would receive a call from another higher-up manager. I thanked them and went on my merry way.

Now, keep in mind, everyone is rooting for me. I've got a third interview with Apple! WooHoo! And then I wait....and wait....and wait....

After one week, I called the store. One of the managers sounded surprised that I hadn't received the call to set up the third interview. She said she would find out and would "call me right back".

Two days later, I get an email from someone I'd never even met, saying, "while it was a pleasure to meet you, bla bla bla bla". You know how the story goes. Basically, I didn't get the job because Apple had some tough decisions and choices to make. I was shocked but now I am kind of relieved.

I still love my MacBook, my iPod and my TimeCapsule. But I can't help having a bit of a bitter taste in my mouth from this experience with Apple.
 
Just curious, what does Apple retail pay? I live in the Albany NY area, I make good money. I just think it would be an interesting part-time. Weekend and evening job.

Sorry not trying to hijack your thread...maybe you're curious too.

edit...oh wow this is an old thread you re-opened.
 
To be honest, I don't think you can really do anything to prepare yourself other than come prepared to answer questions about everything (it won't necessarily be Apple related. You can know almost everything about Apple from retail to Apple itself, be enthusiastic and still not get the job. I've heard from friends who work at Apple and were part of the interview process that even the quietest person who doesn't participate got a job. I've been through 7 interviews on different occasions and have been denied all times. If you're up to it, all you can do is just keep applying and hope you land the job.
 
When I went the first interview had maybe 5 or 6 people. We sat in a circle and the guy asked us different questions about life and about mac. Just be honest and if you know a lot about mac stuff let them know but don't sound like an ass. The second was more individual. I gave up after the third because I realized one hour was too far to drive lol
 
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