Apple At-Home Advisor...

[macgeek01]

I agree. I was rather shocked at how many people were asking about time off... On the very first day of employment no less. Most of those people have been gone for quite a while now.

It will be definitely be interesting to see who is still around on my team in a few months. I imagine you will have reached your wits end by then?

 

[MappleFan]

Very well put. To be honest, I kind of wish I didn't get hired as I truly hate the job but I will stick with it until I find something that's more in line with my background. If I was still unemployed, I'd probably be working much harder at finding a job but I can't do AHA much longer since I'm getting really sick of phone calls. Also, the longer I do this stuff the less I get to practice my regular skill set.

In any case... For those of you that don't get hired, remember that failure is an event, not a person.

Are you still working as an AHA?

 

[MsTee67]

Training

They did not specify but iTunes chat is definitely not one of the calls I will service. I just received the iMac so that clarifies it a little. However, Kelly cut down our training to one day instead of five. Concerned if I will be ready to nest in such a short time. the following week we will nest and train directly with Apple.

 

[MSERBANTEZ]

They did not specify but iTunes chat is definitely not one of the calls I will service. I just received the iMac so that clarifies it a little. However, Kelly cut down our training to one day instead of five. Concerned if I will be ready to nest in such a short time. the following week we will nest and train directly with Apple.

I work for Kelly as well. My training is set to begin June 10th. Did they cut training for every class?

 

[Cattastic]

That's, frankly, a silly statement. And possibly the very first time I've ever heard anyone say it without trolling. How is a cover letter redundant? The only thing you express on a cover letter is your enthusiasm for the job and why you think you'd make a great candidate for the job. You don't include resume information on your cover letter and you don't include a narrative on your resume. It's your chance to introduce yourself and set yourself apart from the job market full of people who have the same skill set and experience you do. It can only help your chances of being singled out in this currently highly competitive job market. You might never get to the interview stage if you're one of hundreds or possibly thousands of similar resumes that get glanced over in favor of that one person who presents themselves better than you. Especially if you're going up for a job where you're not easily replaced.

Also, I applied to three different locations and was called. So I don't think that's true. I think several people here have as well.

It's my personal opinion and cover letters are not that much of a value when most HR coordinators state that resumes are prioritized by key word searches. Databases seek out key words and are pushed to the top and some are thrown away. That is not true of every company but a majority of all resumes are skimmed over for initial review and getting hired is about your résumé first, interview second. Maybe a cover letter is great for someone who has no background experience but job experience and education trumps cover letters.

It has also been proven that if you have a poor writing ability the cover letter will get your resume tossed before they even look at it.

From CNN Money 2012 article. "Are we killing off the cover letter?"

Increasingly, employers aren't even giving a first glance to cover letters that applicants submit. In 2009, Phil Rosenberg, president of reCareered, an online hub for job search advice, surveyed over 2,000 hiring managers, HR reps, and recruiters working in different industries and found that, more often than not, cover letters don't come into play. "I found 90% ignored them and 97% made a decision whether to interview or not based only on the resume."

Inevitably, as companies grow, they're less likely to put as much individual attention into their recruiting, says Don Charlton, founder and CEO of The Resumator, an online hiring software firm. "The larger the company, the more it becomes automated and robotic. That's why large companies have so many mediocre people. That's why a company's heyday is when they're hiring the best 75 people they can find."

Job openings that don't require a high level of verbal and written skills place less emphasis on the cover letter. As COO of Knewton, an online learning company, David Liu oversees the company's recruiting strategy, and he does not put much stock in the cover letter. "We're hiring engineers to business people 20-to-one right now. When we're looking for people in the areas of software development and engineering, we're not really looking to see how well you write prose. We're looking to see how well you code and how well you can design a system."

Liu says they get to know candidates by looking at their portfolios, through coding tests, and in conversations so that they can understand what they've actually accomplished. "With cover letters, you can't really get into a lot of detail without it getting blown into an eight-page document."

Liu argues that a resume with a referral or approaching employers through another context would work better than any cover letter. "Just sending in a blind cover letter is absolutely dated," he says. "You need to figure out a way to identify with the folks that are in those companies. There are meetups. There are ways to find out who's working there, for how long, and what they do."

 

[NHPilot]

Cover Letters

I just have to put my 2 cents in...

Yes there was a time when cover letters had a place. That was when paper resumes were snail mailed to a company and defined the the position that was being applied for, and a quick synopsis of skills.

However in these days of online applications and emailed applications, a cover letter is redundant.

A few years ago, I was the lead of the hiring team for my IT dept at a University, and HR had standing instructions from me to strip any info, including cover letters, from applicants except for the resume. I wasn't interested in people who "I have no experience, but am enthusiastic," only the ones who met the job requirements as evidenced in their resumes. It was during the initial interview when I gauged the applicant's skill set and enthusiasm.

In a company such as Apple, with online applications, as stated above, keyword software is employed to match resumes to the advertised position. I can guarantee that with 100+ (very low estimate) applications a day, there is no way someone in HR is reading cover letters and resumes.

If it makes you feel better to do a cover letter, by all means go ahead and do one, it won't hurt. But for those of you who did not do one and are stressing because you did not, don't sweat it....it doesn't matter.

As a matter of anecdotal evidence, I personally know of 10+ people in my company who have applied for this position, none with cover letters, myself included, and we all got immediate interviews.

Again....just my 2 cents....

 

[JoseyCrow]

Well. The past two posts certainly were a wealth of information. Thank you all!

I was wondering, can they gather keywords from PDF files?

And there lies yet another issue of mine. My 'beautifully done' resume was created on a software I no longer have. As a matter of fact, I have nothing left except Notepad When I downloaded a 'free' software, I systematically acquired the conduit 'virus'. Conduit being a virus seems to be debatable, but it certainly sucked the life straight out of my system until I cleaned the mess up. In a pinch, I still chose to upload my outdated resume but updated the information on Apple's profile. That's not how I prefer to do things but I am living on a shoestring and I have 9 furbabies, 2 of them horses, that have this crazy eating issue.

I was chosen of 3 districts of 30 while I was a temporary worker to automate the district office at Ashland before I was hired permanent. Yes, I worked when there were type writers, carbon paper and whiteout. They flew me to Kansas for 3 days of mostly meet, greet and shmoozing, flew me back and shipped everyhing. There were no company manuals back then. Hell, they didn't know what they were doing! We all got hooked up together! I just cracked open the boxes and jumped in! There were no Windows back then either. Everything was DOS! But none of this is on my resume

I also included a cover letter. I always fill in every opportunity when provided ! I also applied to two more positions first thing this morning as was advised.

Where the questionnaire asked "How many years with hands on technical troubleshooting repairing, I initially answered 3 -5 thinking only actual employment status, when in fact, I have been troubleshooting and repairing my own for 14 years! I can't change the questionnaire answer on the 1st ap I submitted but I revised it on the 2 I submitted this morning. *sigh*

I am also not above shmoozing and am considering finding a key individual and sending them an organic lotion bar and a couple smudge sticks, perhaps some organic Madagascar Vanilla Extract and my persona Namaste Essential oil ! I think a gift box is in order ! hehe ...

Sure, answering customer calls all day everyday with most of them upset can be daunting. But there are ways to turn every situation around to your advantage and efficient ways of handling the call where you don't escalate the situation, but ease it. I would love working in the iTune division as well. I actually have handled chat for an appliance parts place but you can't list that on the resume because 'technically' you weren't really working for them but the temp agency.

You name it, I've done it. Loved working for temps because you learned so much. Worked well with the marriage lifestyle I had too. But temp opportunities have tanked with everything else and I'm not married anymore.

Come on Apple ! Give me a shot at this !!! I have tried almost everything and have been successful with most of it ! There is noone I can't find something in common with and I am a life long learner !

Can they scan keywords from PDF files ??? If not, I am REALLY screwed.

 

[LilBitOLuck]

Well. The past two posts certainly were a wealth of information. Thank you all!

I was wondering, can they gather keywords from PDF files?

And there lies yet another issue of mine. My 'beautifully done' resume was created on a software I no longer have. As a matter of fact, I have nothing left except Notepad When I downloaded a 'free' software, I systematically acquired the conduit 'virus'. Conduit being a virus seems to be debatable, but it certainly sucked the life straight out of my system until I cleaned the mess up. In a pinch, I still chose to upload my outdated resume but updated the information on Apple's profile. That's not how I prefer to do things but I am living on a shoestring and I have 9 furbabies, 2 of them horses, that have this crazy eating issue.

I was chosen of 3 districts of 30 while I was a temporary worker to automate the district office at Ashland before I was hired permanent. Yes, I worked when there were type writers, carbon paper and whiteout. They flew me to Kansas for 3 days of mostly meet, greet and shmoozing, flew me back and shipped everyhing. There were no company manuals back then. Hell, they didn't know what they were doing! We all got hooked up together! I just cracked open the boxes and jumped in! There were no Windows back then either. Everything was DOS! But none of this is on my resume

I also included a cover letter. I always fill in every opportunity when provided ! I also applied to two more positions first thing this morning as was advised.

Where the questionnaire asked "How many years with hands on technical troubleshooting repairing, I initially answered 3 -5 thinking only actual employment status, when in fact, I have been troubleshooting and repairing my own for 14 years! I can't change the questionnaire answer on the 1st ap I submitted but I revised it on the 2 I submitted this morning. *sigh*

I am also not above shmoozing and am considering finding a key individual and sending them an organic lotion bar and a couple smudge sticks, perhaps some organic Madagascar Vanilla Extract and my persona Namaste Essential oil ! I think a gift box is in order ! hehe ...

Sure, answering customer calls all day everyday with most of them upset can be daunting. But there are ways to turn every situation around to your advantage and efficient ways of handling the call where you don't escalate the situation, but ease it. I would love working in the iTune division as well. I actually have handled chat for an appliance parts place but you can't list that on the resume because 'technically' you weren't really working for them but the temp agency.

You name it, I've done it. Loved working for temps because you learned so much. Worked well with the marriage lifestyle I had too. But temp opportunities have tanked with everything else and I'm not married anymore.

Come on Apple ! Give me a shot at this !!! I have tried almost everything and have been successful with most of it ! There is noone I can't find something in common with and I am a life long learner !

Can they scan keywords from PDF files ??? If not, I am REALLY screwed.

applicant tracking systems lack a standard way to structure PDF documents
so they are easily misread
.

 

[AngryGerbil]

Are you still working as an AHA?

Surprisingly enough, I'm still doing AHA. I figured I made it this long I might as well stick it out a few more months and then try to transfer into something a little more interesting like iPad enterprise support. There are also some networking/analyst jobs in places like Shanghai and Singapore that I could apply for after hitting the one year mark.

 

[JoseyCrow]

applicant tracking systems lack a standard way to structure PDF documents
so they are easily misread
.

I thought so. Hopefully a few eyes are watching . Thank you for letting me know.

Wishing everyone a groovy Memorial Weekend ! *salute!*

 

[dAEAdpool]

Welp, my third interview was mediocre. I felt like I was able to display my knowledge, but I don't feel as if I was as empathetic as I usually am. First two interviews went great though. We'll see though.

 

[Cattastic]

Welp, my third interview was mediocre. I felt like I was able to display my knowledge, but I don't feel as if I was as empathetic as I usually am. First two interviews went great though. We'll see though.

I got the "Yeah I just broke my leg when I fell and It broke my iphone.. What do I need to do to get it replaced type of question."

The first thing you want to do is be empathetic to the situation and relate to the client. After I showed empathy with the customer during the question I asked if the customer had a serial number available so I could help her and the interviewer said that was enough before I even got deep into the question. Empathy is what Apple looks for and you must know the definition.

Another thing during the interviews is show love of the products. If you don't show enthusiasm towards Apple Hardware and Software, they interviewers don't feel energetic about you the interviewee.

 

[dAEAdpool]

My problem was I was walking him through e-mail troubleshoot, I told him to close everything until you see your desktop and he said he powered his whole PC down. I feel like I might have been a little short when I mentioned to turn the PC back on. I'm kind of a perfectionist when looking at myself, so I hope I'm just over analyzing myself.

 

[Mac2Mack]

Hopefully you've had better luck than me. I had my 3rd interview on the 14th and haven't heard anything since. The hiring manager I talked to only asked a couple of questions then said they were turning things over to HR last Friday and I would hear something within 2 weeks. I have still heard nothing and getting pretty antsy. Thinking I must not have gotten it if they haven't sent anything yet. Good luck.

Does your recruiters initials start and end with TN? Ive been waiting since the 17th

 

[JST50]

...

 

[kitkat8]

I see they put up 58 new postings for this job today. I would love to get a second chance.

Me and you both still no call back after telling 1st interviewer this was a reapply

 

[MappleFan]

Surprisingly enough, I'm still doing AHA. I figured I made it this long I might as well stick it out a few more months and then try to transfer into something a little more interesting like iPad enterprise support. There are also some networking/analyst jobs in places like Shanghai and Singapore that I could apply for after hitting the one year mark.

Any chance you could tell me what you pay for medical benefits or what the cost is for the different plans? You can PM me if you don't want to post it here. I wish they would have told us during our paperwork session but they didn't.

 

[famous600]

*

 

[superman4385]

Hi All,

This thread has been a wonderful source of information for me since applying for the AHA position, so I thought I'd pay if forward a bit.

For me it was a 2 month, whirlwind process.

Hired directly through Apple, this is how it went for me.

1. Application submitted online through Apple 'employment' link at bottom of page. Applied to 3 AHA positions in different areas of the US - none of which were within 100 miles of my location. (They've dropped that requirement.)

Cover letter seems to be an important part - clear, concise and energetic! Why do you want to work for Apple, and what makes you think you'd be a good addition to the team?

2. Received a call 2 days later, very brief interview (5 minutes) where "I like your energy" was mentioned. Told what position they were seeking to fill and then offered the opportunity to have a second interview via FaceTime or Skype. Accepted and received an email with a link to set-up a time for the 2nd interview with another recruiter. Set-up a time approximately 1 week later for a FaceTime interview.

Prepared for interview by reading through this thread.

3. Had 2nd interview, which lasted approximately 30 minutes. Again "I like your energy" was mentioned. Laid back chat, but obviously still a job interview. General 'what would you do if...' scenario questions, define 'empathy' and how does it differ from sympathy. Job explained again, and asked if I could meet the requirements. Told I would hear back in 5-10 days if I was selected for a 3rd interview by a hiring manager.

4. Same day sent an email by a third Apple representative who wanted me to click through another link to set-up a 3rd interview. Did so, scheduled it for a week later.

3rd interview was to take place via FaceTime, but a snafu made it a phone call interview instead. This didn't seem to be an issue. I was told to relax, and just be myself.

The interview lasted 60 minutes, with some general 'tech' knowledge questions like 'How would you explain RAM to a non-tech person?' and 'What is a CPU?' Asked for description of current computer's specs, then when on into role playing, and problem solving. Interviewer liked that I had taken the time to familiarize myself with the Apple Support section and mentioned it when explaining how a customer might find help with their issue.

5. Three days after interview I received Hireright email for background check. Completed BGC within 24 hours, checked online to see I'd passed. Noted that it went to a specific email at Apple - not that of anyone who had interviewed me. Looked up the email online, and found it went to a bigger fish, who manages several team managers. (Saw that as a good sign.)

6. Approximately 10 days following the completion of the BGC I received an offer call. $1 more per hour than initially quoted. Accepted offer verbally, then was sent an email of the offer to digitally sign and either fax or email back to Apple. Told that I would be receiving a paperwork package via FedEx within 48 hours.

7. Received paperwork (Welcome) package via FedEx, as well as an email from the person who had been attached to the email on the background check info.

Two days later had a group paperwork session via a 1hr conference call. Essentially 'how to' fill out the paperwork, deadlines and specifics related to the team.

Get your paperwork filled out and follow directions. If you are not near an Apple Store, take note of this one thing... you can get your I9 signed (verified) by ANYONE who is not related to you. Just fill it out correctly - nothing extra - scan and email or fax it, then call them to make sure it's 'all good' before you FedEx it. It doesn't need to be notarized. *You will need to present that same ID on your first day.

You get a FedEx envelope locally, and they give you a label to print out (prepaid) to send back your stuff. Take note of the tracking link on the label to know when it arrives. You will not receive a confirmation they have it, but if it arrives - assume you're on track.

Approximately a month from that conference call, equipment arrives a few days before the first training day.

Email communications from that time forward, with 'contact with any questions' always being offered.

Phone line and Internet have to be in place before the first day, with desk and chair requirements mentioned, but not enforced immediately.

FYI...Do not open boxes of equipment until instructed to do so on the first day by your manager. Instructions on what to expect the first day are sent to you via email.

"Come to find out..."

It's a long process, but the benefits offered and the chance to be with #6 on the Fortune 500 make it worth the effort.

I applied to 3 of the AHA positions randomly (all part-time, non-student) and was offered full-time. So you never know!

The needs of the company come first, but it's during the interview process that you have the opportunity to voice your needs.

NOTE: No matter whether you get part-time or full-time, you'll need to be flexible and 'flex' to what is needed based upon product launches and/or holidays.

By the time the 3rd interview is underway, you're talking to a specific team manager who is seeking individuals for THEIR team. Connecting with them as well as being on target with your responses both seem to be important. Also being upbeat and flexible!

SO...

The town you choose to apply for... means nothing for AHA if you're a non-student.

Cover letter is important; not too long, interested, why you'd be good for the Apple team.

Be yourself in any interviews. They want people who can easily talk to other people, and explain things in a simple, empathetic way. Tech knowledge is less important than wanting to help.

Be patient. You don't get a lot of info regarding anything very fast, but when you do, they want you to respond quickly and only as directed.

Hope this helps those who are applying, interviewing and waiting for that email or call.

Best wishes to all of you, and 'thank you' to the many who have offered up tips and encouragement.

This thread is a great resource for those attempting to knock on, and open the door to Apple At Home Advisor opportunities.

How many days did it basically take to from the offer email to sending in the paperwork? I assume over all it took a week?

 

[notforprofit]

My hiring manager (who is also, as it turns out, will be your team manager!!!) said he loved that I included a cover letter. Hmpf. Which makes sense, really. It made me unique enough for him to mention it ergo it made a difference in whether I made a good impression on him or not.
------
When do At-Home Advisors fill out their federal/state W4 forms?
------
Good luck to everyone who is in the process. It's daunting but worth it in the end. Especially if you're offered more per hour in your offer letter. I thought it was going to be 14.50 but I was offered 17.50. Nice surprise.

 

[AngryGerbil]

Any chance you could tell me what you pay for medical benefits or what the cost is for the different plans? You can PM me if you don't want to post it here. I wish they would have told us during our paperwork session but they didn't.

It's really going to vary a lot depending on what plan you choose and what not. Your best bet is to log onto the HR Web and find out for yourself.

----------

Wonder if anyone here has made it to T2 yet! And way to go AG stick through the year then land the China gig.

I doubt you'll find any T2 folks in this thread... there are very few actual advisors that post here and someone that's been in AHA long enough to make it to T2 would have very little use for this thread to begin with. I still check this thread once in a while but it's becoming pretty irrelevant given how long ago I actually got hired.

 

[MappleFan]

It's really going to vary a lot depending on what plan you choose and what not. Your best bet is to log onto the HR Web and find out for yourself.

----------

We don't have access to that yet, that's why I was asking.

 

[AngryGerbil]

It's really going to vary a lot depending on what plan you choose and what not. Your best bet is to log onto the HR Web and find out for yourself.

----------

We don't have access to that yet, that's why I was asking.

There's no "one size fits all" answer and at this point in the hiring process it's kind of an irrelevant question. Are you going to decide NOT to work for Apple if your health care package costs you $60 per month instead of the $50 per month you were expecting? I understand your curiosity but even if I said your health care would cost X dollars per month. it would be kind of meaningless without context, ie. what your monthly pay is, how many dependents you have etc.

 

[MsTee67]

Training

I work for Kelly as well. My training is set to begin June 10th. Did they cut training for every class?

Not sure but it seems that one day is not enough to learn all of the screens and information before we nest. Not very satisfied with the way Kelly does business on this project. I previously worked with Kelly but not this division. Call centers get a bad rap for this type of nonsense. Lack of training is a major issue for so many customers and now I may be on the receiving end of disgruntled calls. Will still go in with an optimistic POV, hoping to work for one year and then try for Apple.

 

[Strax]

They did not specify but iTunes chat is definitely not one of the calls I will service. I just received the iMac so that clarifies it a little. However, Kelly cut down our training to one day instead of five. Concerned if I will be ready to nest in such a short time. the following week we will nest and train directly with Apple.

Have you actually started training yet? I think you have your info utterly wrong. I have two separate orientations and then four weeks of training with Kelly so I don't know why yours would be so different.