Apple Recruitment Seminar

[Tsuchiya]

I attended one a few months back and made it to the second interview (I bombed magnificently, my one to one interview was terrible ). This was for the London South-East branches (madness, they are miles away and I would have needed to actually buy a car to make it to the store each day...but still, it's Apple so you don't say no to an invitation )

Apple definitely go for a personality type and expect you to demonstrate that in the seminar. Apple know-how isn't necessary but you'll be expected to show a keen interest (obviously) and enthusiasm. You'll need to be friendly with everyone, I think at least that they'll watch how you interact with your group (there are group tasks which are kinda fun). Ask questions (they are big on this), try and converse with the interviewers. It's weird, it's actually a formal event, but they try and make it seem casual.

Second stage is more of the same (in my experience anyway), just with smaller groups and of course the one-to-one interview. The focus was more on the retail experience now rather then just Apple on the whole. We received documentation beforehand and were encouraged to visit an Apple Store (this might vary...)

Yeah, NDAs are signed at each interview, but they don't really tell you anything earth shattering, even the process seems to be posted about online a fair bit

edit: iVanessa, just watched your video (very enjoyable). It kinda brought back some of the negative aspects of the whole process though.

1) I agree that it's extremely frustrating that they don't give you proper feedback after rejection. The process is so long winded and there are so many things you can mess up on. I really disliked how they emphasized the fact that feedback just wasn't going to happen. Especially considering...

2) They really do make you jump through hoops. My invite to the seminar was reasonable enough, I got it a week before the event. My callback happened literally 2 days before the event, AND they gave us homework. There was a ZIP file attached to the email with forms to fill in, and PDFs of articles about Apple Stores we had to read (seriously...), AND they advised us to come and visit an Apple Store. I think the assumption that I'll be OK to just drop everything at short notice pissed me off a little.

[/whine]

 

[WHOLEHEARTED]

Hey, anyone going to the seminar in Kingston this next thursday ?

 

[MrBobbo8]

Anyone go to Southampton yesterday?

I went in the morning and it was good. They said we'd hear by the end of play tomorrow (Friday) for interviews next week.

Not sure if no news yet is good news..

 

[WHOLEHEARTED]

I got an email last night inviting me to the second interview, siked!

 

[Mirai 11]

What were the hiring events like in dress code?
Was it more jeans and shoes with a casual shirt?
Or were there suits but without the tie?

 

[Gooswitch]

What were the hiring events like in dress code?
Was it more jeans and shoes with a casual shirt?
Or were there suits but without the tie?

I've done the Hiring event four times... They say business casual for it, so I wore Khakis, a polo shirt, and some nice shoes.. Ultimately wear what makes you comfortable.

I've passed on to the 2nd interview 3 times, and I find that what will get ya through is be confident, always try to give eye contact to whose speaking, keep your answers short, but concise.. Rambling on for 10 minutes about how much you love an iphone doesn't always get you the brownie points you think it will.

When you have a group activity, participate, but don't be bossy, and be open minded to those working with you.

Just have fun, relax and be yourself!

I have my third and final interview Monday.. it's the first time I passed the 2nd interview, but it's pretty normal to be rejected 2 or 3 times before getting through...

 

[WHOLEHEARTED]

Casual for sure, for my first interview I went with black jeans, The Gap hoodie and a pair of Nike's. Second interview I went for something a little more 'tight', jeans and shirt with a nice 'grown up' coat. Third interview didn't happen for me because I got the job the day after the second interview.

The only advice I think is worth giving is to be yourself and know your what your talking about, . If it's meant to be, you'll be chosen.

 

[MacMan86]

... If it's meant to be, you'll be chosen

It's getting a job in a shop, it's not getting into heaven

 

[WHOLEHEARTED]

That's very true but I rather work in Apple shop than on any other shop.

 

[Blooo]

hi wholehearted. i have an invitation to the seminar tonight and was wondering what kind of questions they asked you there and what you did?

Also what was the majority of people there wearing?

thanks

 

[MovieCutter]

That's very true but I rather work in Apple shop than on any other shop.

Come back in 6 months and say that. It's totally different now than when I worked there. Back when I was there it was fun, now they're so focused on procedure and attachments, it sucked all the fun and enthusiasm out of my staff.

 

[WHOLEHEARTED]

hi wholehearted. i have an invitation to the seminar tonight and was wondering what kind of questions they asked you there and what you did?

Also what was the majority of people there wearing?

thanks

They wont do any sort of test, the first interview is just a good relaxed coversation about apple and apple retail with a couple of group excercises.

Dress 'business casual', as you would wear if you were to be an apple emplyer. All apple personel there had jeans on with the blue shirt.

MovieCutter: I get your point but I'm still super siked and looking forward to working with them.

 

[Revolutionary Y]

Keep in mind they are looking for a "people person." if you look at all their employment videos, everyone says they love their job because of the people.

So when they ask why do you want to work there, it's always for the people. It's just the best answer to give.

 

[AriaOfSolace]

I also got invited for a Jan. 9th seminar. I usually interview well and I'ma great people person, I'm just worried about my background check. No no i'm not a criminal, it's just that, being a college student, my credit is crap and I hear they do credit checks. >.< Does anyone know if it's a hit or miss with the check?

 

[gtx281]

Expect a lot of BS. Sorry. But it's true.

I've been to one before. They aren't looking for people with technical knowledge. They want a "type." If you aren't it, you aren't it. It's that simple.

I was the direct opposite of the hipster types that interviewed me, so naturally, I had no chance. I looked put together, they looked like they just rolled out of bed. I've been working on computers longer than all of them. Didn't matter.

I'll save you a lot of time - Look around an Apple Store. Would you fit in, at first glance, with the people you see working there? If the answer is no, well, you have your answer. It's not much different than applying at Abercrombie & Fitch. You just know what they're looking for.

If I got invited to another seminar, I wouldn't go. The introductory brainwash video really raised some red flags for me. For a company whose motto used to be, "Think Different," they sure love to emphasize conformity. Very odd. I'd rather just buy the products and enjoy them. I don't think I'd enjoy much about working there, aside from the occasional discount.

 

[NutsNGum]

Expect a lot of BS.

Quoted for truth. I hate the phrase "quoted for truth", but in this instance, it is absolutely the case.

The recruitment seminar I attended was sort of like the Movementarian Seminar in the Simpsons. You'll watch a bunch of videos; essentially Apple self-back-patting indoctrinal garbage.

Then you'll get some group tasks.

We were actively encouraged to jump fully-unclothed into a pre-arranged bath of Nutella and commit adultery with at least two of the other potential candidates whilst being filmed with a Hi-8 camera. In the NDA it was stated that Apple may release the footage at any time as an advert for any product they may potentially make in the future.

The second task involved praying to the Demon-God Baphomet. Candidates who Baphomet did not approve of were reduced to a pile of cinder and ash.

In the group questions section of the seminar, you're encouraged to rudely talk over other people, and you'd better get a few tattoos and a piercing or two, or at least a haircut.

If you're 40+ be sure to be fat and have facial hair, (long hair is optional) and a relatively cheery demeanour, in a sort of "yeah, I'm a bit older, and I also don't care what I look like. By the way, I also take photographs of takeaway food" kind of way. Be sure to wash, however.

Ensure you have no prior technical knowledge and/or expertise, as it's easier and more helpful when you're selling a product that you know nothing about it.

I got through the first round, but I drew the line at harvesting organs so I was never getting the job.

 

[AriaOfSolace]

I know about the 'hipster' look. I don't consider myself one but I fit the 'image' they are looking for, heh. Piercings and whatnot. I'm not worried about the interview since I've gone through worse ones in the past and still gotten the job. It's just that since I've been unemployed for almost a year, my credit went into the ******* so I'm worried that will be a BIG red flag and ruin my chances.

I'm a huge people person and I know how to sell anything, so really my only issue is the fact that they'll do a credit check. ugh. As much griping as I've heard from people, the one near me pays well and I'd be working hours that mesh well with school.

I'm pretty sure the seminar will be nutter butter though. Looking forward to the experience. Thanks a lot for the info. It was quite entertaining as well lol

 

[Macman45]

It's absolutely true that Apple look for a personality type to fit the "Family" I have several friends who are progressing steadily up the chain, and when they joined, they had no tech. Knowledge at all.

One particular individual who shall obviously remain nameless is now Senior Tec. Support Supervisor for Macs. She no longer takes calls, but manages what I imagine must be a pretty hectic environment along with dealing one to one with business customers.

They are freinds, so I wouldn't want to call them "Clones" but when you speak to any of them, the personality typing sticks out a mile.....Apple find the right raw material, and then hone it.

 

[AriaOfSolace]

I hear ya. I'm still looking on some input on the financial background check info. I'm pretty sure they do it, since most places do now. That's honestly my only worry. That I'll get denied because of that. I got sick, was fired and have been unemployed for almost a year so of course I've got ****** credit at the moment. Do you think if I explain my situation, I'll have a better chance?

 

[Macman45]

I hear ya. I'm still looking on some input on the financial background check info. I'm pretty sure they do it, since most places do now. That's honestly my only worry. That I'll get denied because of that. I got sick, was fired and have been unemployed for almost a year so of course I've got ****** credit at the moment. Do you think if I explain my situation, I'll have a better chance?

Don't bring it up at the interview at all, it will look like you are more concerned about it than you should be....People get fired, and a poor credit history should not prevent you from being considered.

If They bring it up, just tell the truth....They want honesty.

 

[AriaOfSolace]

Thanks for that. I'll def keep that in mind.

 

[JohnBanana]

Interestingly Cool

It's absolutely true that Apple look for a personality type to fit the "Family" I have several friends who are progressing steadily up the chain, and when they joined, they had no tech. Knowledge at all.

One particular individual who shall obviously remain nameless is now Senior Tec. Support Supervisor for Macs. She no longer takes calls, but manages what I imagine must be a pretty hectic environment along with dealing one to one with business customers.

They are freinds, so I wouldn't want to call them "Clones" but when you speak to any of them, the personality typing sticks out a mile.....Apple find the right raw material, and then hone it.

Now, that's interesting.

 

[avro707]

"As you can imagine, we have received a large number of qualified applicants for this role. At this time we have chosen to move forward with other candidates that meet our current needs. We want to personally thank you for investing the time to speak to us about this opportunity. "

gahhhhhhhhhhhhhhh

It's just another retail store, not the end of the world. And if its any consolation, someone I used to work with ended up with an Apple retail outlet and confided with me that the reality is pretty awful, mainly from the management side of things.

Things may have changed since then however. Chin up and keep looking.

NutsNGum: Brilliant informative post!

 

[AriaOfSolace]

Just got back from the group seminar. It was pretty cool. There were some very tech savvy people there and different ages and races, the apple employees were nice as well. Long as all get out though. Phew! Started having a terrible headache but I did well. Just waiting for the next interview. I'm pretty positive about it

 

[Tsuchiya]

Good luck to people applying, despite the reservations I felt when attending the seminars (seemed pretty intense for a retail job, and a big time commitment), I was really gutted when they didn't ask me to come back for a 3rd interview.

I think I tripped up in the one-to-one interview. Don't let the apparent casual atmosphere get your guard down, you need to put actual thought into your answers and play it like any other job interview.