honestly, forget the apple store, try working for apple hq if you love their products that much. apple store's cool and everything, but hq is what allows the apple stores to exist. best of luck
Got a tip for us?
Let us know
Become a MacRumors Supporter for $50/year with no ads, ability to filter front page stories, and private forums.
So much for working at an apple store :-(
- Thread starter LucasLand
- Start date
- Sort by reaction score
I own probably a dozen Apple products, and even though I'm not an IT person by any stretch, I read the tech blogs, and know my way around OSX pretty well. That being said, every single time I've stepped foot into an Apple store (and I've been in probably a dozen different stores) I am typically completely disappointed with the knowledge base of the staff. Even the Genius' are anything but. I consistently know more then they do about every facet of the device, software, current news and rumors and I frankly am nothing more then an enthusiast.
All I can say to the OP is keep trying, if it's what you really want to do. And if you keep getting rejected, then frankly, they don't deserve you.
All I can say to the OP is keep trying, if it's what you really want to do. And if you keep getting rejected, then frankly, they don't deserve you.
All i can say to the OP is stop trying. Apple may seem like fun to work for but it's just another store, you may as well work at a staples. I went through the same thing when trying to get a job there, went to the "hiring seminar", had more knowledge than anyone else there, and didn't get the job. My advice to you is go get your lifeguard certification, if possible. Then go get a job at an indoor pool/health club. Easy job, free gym membership, same money as apple pays. Best decision i ever made.
well i know some of the mac people near me sure didnt get in on knowledge alone, let alone knowledge in general, the apple genius sat there with a customer for like 5 minutes not understanding why the mac mini wouldnt turn on, turns out he forgot to plug it in.
Dust yourself off and keep trying. But first, be very honest with yourself about how the interview went. You seem to think an injustice occurred because of your superior product knowledge. Perhaps they were looking for something other than sheer geekulousness. People skills, curiosity, open-mindedness, awareness of the overall computer/internet marketplace, tact, inquisitiveness, humility, helpfulness, respectfulness, eagerness to learn, teamwork talents... did you score each of those checkboxes? Did you ask questions? Might you have perhaps come off as a smidgen cocky?
Be honest with yourself, and learn from the experience.
The process is very subjective in any hiring circumstance, and I'd expect that's very much the case in the Apple Store.
And besides, maybe today they were looking for a warm/fuzzy person. Tomorrow they might be searching for Ubergeek.
Good luck, especially with the self-examination. It's an opportunity to grow.
Be honest with yourself, and learn from the experience.
The process is very subjective in any hiring circumstance, and I'd expect that's very much the case in the Apple Store.
And besides, maybe today they were looking for a warm/fuzzy person. Tomorrow they might be searching for Ubergeek.
Good luck, especially with the self-examination. It's an opportunity to grow.
Will I have a chance at being chosen to attend a Recruiting Seminar?
Hello..
I don't have ANY retail experience, but I do know some info about Apple products. I own a MacBook Pro, an iPod Touch, and a iPod Nano. I'm not sure if not having any training in retail will hurt my chances at being selected to attend a recruiting seminar. Some say they don't care as much as experience like they do with applicant's personalities and there ability to sell a product successfully. Although I don't know everything about all of the products that Apple has produced, I am determined and willing to learn because I want to be able to help customers in any way I can so when they leave they will feel satisfied!
I did not add work experience on my resume because I am only a high school graduate. I have never been employed but I did do some volunteer work before I graduated so I'm not sure if that helps. I added Technology products under interests and activities and I also stated that I can perform multiple functions on my Mac under computer skills.
Even though I've never been in retail, I feel that I am passionate about these products. They have made in impact on my life and because of that I wish to help others the way it has helped me.
BUT...
I did not state that I wished to apply part time as a Specialist, I did not say anything about not having work experience since it was not on my resume, and I did not write about being happy and enthused about the company. My mother told me to be brief, short, and to the point when doing my cover letter... but I think I made a mistake by listening to her. I feel like my cover letter was boring and it didn't show an once of my personality. But on my resume I listed avid reading and creative writing under interests as well I doubt that will help me out.
I'm going to start University in Southern California in the next few weeks studying Computer Science and I'm hoping I hear something back regarding my application!
Do I even have a chance at being invited to an interview at all?
Hello..
I don't have ANY retail experience, but I do know some info about Apple products. I own a MacBook Pro, an iPod Touch, and a iPod Nano. I'm not sure if not having any training in retail will hurt my chances at being selected to attend a recruiting seminar. Some say they don't care as much as experience like they do with applicant's personalities and there ability to sell a product successfully. Although I don't know everything about all of the products that Apple has produced, I am determined and willing to learn because I want to be able to help customers in any way I can so when they leave they will feel satisfied!
I did not add work experience on my resume because I am only a high school graduate. I have never been employed but I did do some volunteer work before I graduated so I'm not sure if that helps. I added Technology products under interests and activities and I also stated that I can perform multiple functions on my Mac under computer skills.
Even though I've never been in retail, I feel that I am passionate about these products. They have made in impact on my life and because of that I wish to help others the way it has helped me.
BUT...
I did not state that I wished to apply part time as a Specialist, I did not say anything about not having work experience since it was not on my resume, and I did not write about being happy and enthused about the company. My mother told me to be brief, short, and to the point when doing my cover letter... but I think I made a mistake by listening to her. I feel like my cover letter was boring and it didn't show an once of my personality. But on my resume I listed avid reading and creative writing under interests as well I doubt that will help me out.
I'm going to start University in Southern California in the next few weeks studying Computer Science and I'm hoping I hear something back regarding my application!
Do I even have a chance at being invited to an interview at all?
I worked at Apple for a short time, and I can echo what other people have said - they are going for a type of personality over complete knowledge of Apple's spectrum of products. You get training on the products, but they can't train you how to be open, approachable, engaging, personable, etc.
At my hiring seminar, there were actually people dressed like Steve Jobs, one guy brought his iPod collection, etc. None of them got hired. What you think makes you qualified just differs from what Apple considers qualified. You probably just did not strike them a certain way, and that's basically it. They make the call. So many people apply to work at Apple, the chances of being hired are miniscule.
I'm not sure why everyone wants to work at Apple so badly either. While it was better than my other experience in retail, it was still retail. OP, you'll be saving yourself the annoyance of attending quarterly meetings where you learn Apple has made record profits of eleventy jillion dollars while still paying you $10 an hour with no holiday discounts or bonuses and stingy benefits. You'll also save yourself the annoyance of dealing with a lot of douchey customers. Really, it's a win-win.
At my hiring seminar, there were actually people dressed like Steve Jobs, one guy brought his iPod collection, etc. None of them got hired. What you think makes you qualified just differs from what Apple considers qualified. You probably just did not strike them a certain way, and that's basically it. They make the call. So many people apply to work at Apple, the chances of being hired are miniscule.
I'm not sure why everyone wants to work at Apple so badly either. While it was better than my other experience in retail, it was still retail. OP, you'll be saving yourself the annoyance of attending quarterly meetings where you learn Apple has made record profits of eleventy jillion dollars while still paying you $10 an hour with no holiday discounts or bonuses and stingy benefits. You'll also save yourself the annoyance of dealing with a lot of douchey customers. Really, it's a win-win.
I understand. I applied not only because I am interested in the company, the products, and what it stands for; but I wanted to get a start on my career. My major is in Computer Science and I'm starting university in a few weeks.
My mom helped me with the letter, but she didn't want me putting things like why I would be an asset to Apple and experiences. She believed it would make it long when it's supposed to be short and to the point. She also believed that since I was a high school graduate that It was okay. I think she was wrong.
But I can always apply later on in the future or at another store close to my home though! Trying to keep positive thinking
If you are a computer science major shooting for a career in retail, why even bother going to college?
I worked for Apple back in 2003-2007. It was VERY different than what I see now when I go inside.
Sometimes I think the company changed! Haha.
We had snotty customers but it was a fun job. The employees that work there now dress/act different. Plus, the knowledge of some employees is very bad with some of the products.
I would never go back either. I love my job too much right now
Sometimes I think the company changed! Haha.
We had snotty customers but it was a fun job. The employees that work there now dress/act different. Plus, the knowledge of some employees is very bad with some of the products.
I would never go back either. I love my job too much right now
Apple does not want sales reps that are obsessive about their products. They do not want people that read rumors sites. They do not want people who spend more time in front of their computers than interacting with real people. Apple wants people to sell computers, not teach people how to use the terminal in order to change the minimize animation from "genie" to "suck in." In short you are not at all, judging by your post and probably your survey answers, what Apple is looking for in a sales rep.
As a computer science major who works retail I can say on behalf of the people who use both sides of their brains, "because we need money while we're going to school!!!!"
I'm not shooting for a career in retail. I love Apple products and I would like to help people and make there lives better through technology. It's a start even though it is retail.. but it's better than nothing. The store's lives and breathes tech, and that's my thing.
I made the mistake of not showing my personality more instead of my knowledge. Plus I thought something in my cover letter wasn't right. Too bad I didn't go with my gut feeling in the beginning lol.
Last edited by a moderator:
This is just more evidence for why they didn't hire you. Apple is looking for people with at least a year (or maybe it was six months) of real retail experience. They do not want people fresh out of high school who need their mothers to help them type up a simple résumé.I understand. I applied not only because I am interested in the company, the products, and what it stands for; but I wanted to get a start on my career. My major is in Computer Science and I'm starting university in a few weeks.
My mom helped me with the letter, but she didn't want me putting things like why I would be an asset to Apple and experiences. She believed it would make it long when it's supposed to be short and to the point. She also believed that since I was a high school graduate that It was okay. I think she was wrong.
But I can always apply later on in the future or at another store close to my home though! Trying to keep positive thinking
Likely they don't want people who are going to have to split their time between their first taste of college and a personality demanding job.
And here's some advice from a CS major in year 3 of college. DO NOT GO IN TO COLLEGE WITH YOUR MAJOR ALREADY DECLARED. If you have next to no experience programming, large network management, computer deployment, or even building your own computer you have no business declaring yourself a CS major. Now this is not someone being a rude elitist. This is advice based on the fact that you have zero real experience in the field you are declaring as your major. You should first take some CS classes, meet with advisors, see what real world CS jobs are like and decide if that's really what you want to do. Just because you enjoy playing with your iPhone does not meant that you will enjoy programming it.
Just some friendly advice.
I love computers, I'm curious, I want to learn more about it than just the basic functions. I'm willing, that should be just fine. It's not like I don't know anything about the computer. I did take computer classes during high school..
I do appreciate your advice though. I only applied for that Apple position more than 24 hours ago. It's not like it was a while ago. If I hear back with an invite, fine. If not, oh well. Life goes on.
Folks
Someday, hopefully sooner rather than later, you will realize one thing. If you believe you have the "right stuff" working for yourself is going to be the ideal situation.
So wether Apple offers your a job or not is immaterial to what the end goal should really be which is following your passion with the least amount of roadblocks in your path.
When you're the boss...every workplace is fun because you're the person that creates that environment.
Someday, hopefully sooner rather than later, you will realize one thing. If you believe you have the "right stuff" working for yourself is going to be the ideal situation.
So wether Apple offers your a job or not is immaterial to what the end goal should really be which is following your passion with the least amount of roadblocks in your path.
When you're the boss...every workplace is fun because you're the person that creates that environment.
I'm sure you will enjoy it, but just make sure you know what you are letting yourself in for. CS isn't really about using computers and programming is only really there to illustrate the ideas. There is a lot of maths and science involved. I took courses ranging from discrete and continuous maths to biology and physics, including lots of others along the way. Although they have a computing slant, they are science courses.
I think there is a lot of misunderstanding about what CS is. A lot of people seem to think you learn to use Excel and fix computers etc. The "Science" part of the name is there for a reason.
Assuming you don't want to work in retail, what do you see as your career path after University?
I always got the impression that they hire for personality rather than technical skill. The "genius"s I've dealt with have been anything but though they all have a very notably outgoing and quirky personalities.
There's no way I'd be hired as an apple store employee, I'm just too shy/introverted. Handily I have zero interest in retail or repair.
I do suspect they've become slightly more relaxed though, I have had a few experiences with apple store employees who were just jerks.
There's no way I'd be hired as an apple store employee, I'm just too shy/introverted. Handily I have zero interest in retail or repair.
I do suspect they've become slightly more relaxed though, I have had a few experiences with apple store employees who were just jerks.
Does it make sense for a CS major to work in retail? I like technology too along with computers, but I was thinking about helping others. I don't want to have a career in retail, I thought by starting with Apple would be good work experience (even thought it's in retail). Does it make sense? I thought it did..
To answer you question, for a long time I've been wanting to build my own website, but due to financial hardships I'm still not able to buy the specific tools I would need. BUT.. as a career I'm interested in video game design. I think it's neat how they're made! The hard work behind it, time time and effort that's put in it.
I'm pretty good at science and math courses, I'm not the best.. but I think I'm pretty good
I haven't had much experience with Apple stores but from what I've seen they are definitely not hiring on a basis of knowledge, which is why I really hate that they have a team of staff called "Geniuses".
If you like computers and such, look for a job at a different tech store, as they would more likely appreciate knowledgeable staff.
If you like computers and such, look for a job at a different tech store, as they would more likely appreciate knowledgeable staff.
I thought they focused more on personality and you ability to sell a product. Someone told me that even if you have little knowledge you'll still be trained by the staff once you're hired.
Wonder if it's true.
There's IT and then there's CS. IT is your run of the mill computer "Career" where you fix stuff, implement stuff and design systems your employer will use to manage his data.
A lot of people think of University as trade schools, where you learn a trade. That's the mistake they make and they then find CS to be completely different from what they envisioned IT would be like. The problem is that Universities aren't there to teach you how to be a systems administrator or a code monkey. They are there to teach you the science behind computers (if you take CS of course). This is a very worthwhile learning experience if you're into computers in the first place, but it makes for poor "job training" if you have very little knowledge outside what the school will teach you.
IT is mostly self-taught. People with an interest in computers just teach themselves the skills of how to troubleshoot systems, install software and even design more complicated application interactions (think building your own Apache cluster with synced data files so you have a active-passive cluster you can toggle with an address switch in your DNS). Sure there are trade schools, but seriously, the quality of graduates and the quality of the teaching there leaves a lot to be desired.
I'm a CS graduate that now works in IT.
While at University, it can be important to just have a job (any job) just to show some experience/responsibility on your CV when you leave. Retail is as good as any. Office work or bar work is just as viable an option.
However, if you have a specific career aim in mind, try to find a job that is related. Can you find some work doing simple web activities for charities or local businesses? Even if just one off temporary contracts this can be handy in deciding whether you really want a job in that industry and giving some experience.
I graduated with a CS degree in 2006. While I was at University I did office work - just operating the photocopier, answering the phone etc. When I graduated I went to work for a software company. Initially I worked as a consultant, now I work in product design/development.
Does it make sense for a CS major to work in retail? I like technology too along with computers, but I was thinking about helping others. I don't want to have a career in retail, I thought by starting with Apple would be good work experience (even thought it's in retail). Does it make sense? I thought it did..
To answer you question, for a long time I've been wanting to build my own website, but due to financial hardships I'm still not able to buy the specific tools I would need. BUT.. as a career I'm interested in video game design. I think it's neat how they're made! The hard work behind it, time time and effort that's put in it.
I'm pretty good at science and math courses, I'm not the best.. but I think I'm pretty good
I have a friend who was a CS major and currently is coding for a large international software company. His retail experience was working at a semi-fast food restaurant. I worked with him in that same restaurant and I actually graduated with a psychology major but I'm currently a network administrator. I have a cousin who declared CS as his major and he's in his third year of college and he's never had a real job. Retail is just to get work experience and to get a little cash. Your education is not dependent on any type of job.
Your first two years of college will be covering the basic courses and you will touch upon the beginning of courses that are related to your major. What you have to decide is if you are a programmer or do you just want to be in IT. You mention taking computer classes in high school, did any of those classes include programming? If yes, did you like it? If no, I suggest that you start practicing programming in your spare time. If you don't like programming, go into a Managing Information Systems which is a lot easier and it is IT.
As for the website, I'm a little concern that you would say that you haven't built one due to financial hardships. I built my first website for free using notepad and Geocities to host it. These days, you don't even have to know HTML to create a website and there is plenty of free hosting sites. In life, you need to understand your obstacles and figure a way to get around them. If you let them block you, then life will be tough and you definitely don't have the mentality for a CS or IT career because that's a daily thing.
Good luck and start practicing on those computer skills instead of trying to find a job at Apple where you will be a sales person. If you need money, take whatever job that you can since it will be work experience one way or another.
I'm also disappointed cause I was interested in their other positions too. Their presentation during hiring seminar discussed all their positions, not just sales people in front of store. I was just as interested in the inventory position, or any other positions in the back. especially since they offer training that could lead to certifications.
A friend of mine also pointed out to me that a lot of these hiring seminars are pure BS, just like when companies show up at job fairs. Lots of the companies are getting pressure from the President and gov. to hire people, so they put on these seminars to give the impression they are hiring, when in reality they hire no one.
A friend of mine also pointed out to me that a lot of these hiring seminars are pure BS, just like when companies show up at job fairs. Lots of the companies are getting pressure from the President and gov. to hire people, so they put on these seminars to give the impression they are hiring, when in reality they hire no one.
