Working At the Apple Store

I just finished writing my resume for a job at the Apple Store. I figure that applying at 3 AM at night might not seem too professional, so I'll wait until tomorrow to actually apply. I haven't finished high school yet, but I have an excellent understanding of the retail business and technology. My resume was written very professionally, so I think I might get called in for an interview. I thought you had to be eighteen to work at an Apple Store, but after some research online, I found out that Apple will hire anyone professional and knowledgeable enough. A fifteen year-old kid at MacRumors had applied for a job, stating that he was fifteen, and was called in for an interview. He didn't go to the interview because the Apple Store was too far for him and he had only applied for fun. I'm serious, though. I'm applying as a specialist. I act much older and more professional than I think that anyone in my entire school could, and even some people that are much older, and I always have my facts right. This will be my first real job, if I get it.

Is the minimum wage at the Apple Store really $18 an hour? I'm assuming that there's no commission (not that I need it if Apple really pays so well), right? What can I expect if I get called in for an interview? Should I dress casually or in a suit (Apple has their employees dress casually, so I'm not sure what would be the better choice)? Any tips from Apple Store workers to make sure that I get the job? Thanks a lot, guys.

 

no.
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I didn't think that it was, but I thought I had read that on Gizmodo.

 

Lol...if they paid that much for everyone, even their custodians, they would be like AIG right now...Instead of selling all their classic cars, they would be selling their classic computers, if they have any that is...

Oh and good luck! May the force be with you..

 

By the way, anything I should read about Macs? I'm still adjusting to the platform and I don't know some of the more advanced commands that they sometimes ask about during the interview. Otherwise, I do have excellent knowledge of the hardware, construction, and software (other than some of the more advanced functions of the Mac OS) of all of Apple's current products.

 

I suggest going with a suit. I cannot comment directly upon how Apple operates in their hiring process, but the dress you wear at your interview will, in part, convey your attitude and approach to the professional environment. Whether they require casual Dockers or sandals after being hired should have no bearing, in my opinion, for how you present yourself. I feel there are exceptions to this for specific situations; however, they do not apply at the moment. I have participated in many interviews where I have had differing experiences from those in the same pool where their attitude and dress seemed to be lacking. Remember, the administrator or manager has only your attitude, appearance, resume, and responses to make a judgment. Acknowledging this issue and looking into your options already shows how you feel about this position. I hope that Apple will see your potential and schedule an interview. Best of luck.

 

ehh, I think a suit would be pushing it, your not trying to get a job at a law firm. Just wear a nice shirt and pants. Don't forget that they are looking for a sales person and not some one that knows everything about a Mac but has no people skills, training will teach you what they want you to know about a mac.

 

Always dress appropriate for the job. Thus for apple I would say a nice pair of dress pants with a good collared shirt and leather shoes... BUT no tie or suit jacket. This is too much, and not appropriate for this kind of job.
The more you know about the products the better and more relaxed you'll be. And being relaxed and confident (but not arrogant) is key to getting any job.
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In ca, it is $11 an hour.
Here are some questions:
Why Apple?
What's the differences between Apple store and other retail stores? (customer service)
Since you don't have working exp, study Apple culture.

if you get hired
You get free mobile me account
25% off on each product line per year

oh, they email work schedule.. which is pretty cool.

 

If you want, I can look over your resume to give you a second opinion.

Well as far as I know there is a minimum legal age where you can apply for a job. I'm not sure what it is anymore and it's probably different in each country (and probably differs from state to state if you live in the US).
If I remember correctly, the minimum age when a company can hire someone is 16, 15 if your parents sign on it. I think it has to do with liability and insurance reasons but I might be wrong. Someone correct me if I am wrong.

What exactly is a "specialist" with respect to this job with Apple? Is it just the guy that walks around the store and tries to sell the products?

Haha I highly doubt the minimum wage is 18$/hour. If a "specialist" is what I think it is, then my guess is that you'd get paid close to minimum wage. Maybe a little more.

Well said.
Dress pants and a dress shirt would be just fine for this job interview. You can go with the tie if you want but I don't think it's needed for this interview. Absolutely no suit jacket.
Research the company and their products before the interview. It's very common for an employer to ask you questions about the company, that way they see how much you know (which shows how much you researched and how interested you are in the position).
When you meet the person doing the interview, introduce yourself, firm handshake and make eye contact.
Be yourself, honest (don't lie, if you don't know something just say so but try to convey your interest and the fact that you want to learn), punctual (show up on time for the interview but don't show up too early either) & confident (but as underpantman said don't be arrogant).
Do not be afraid to ask questions. Don't forget that the interview is an opportunity for them to find out if you are qualified, interested and suitable for the position but it is also an opportunity for you to learn about the company, find out if the job is what you want & right for you. Asking questions also demonstrates your interest and knowledge of the position you are applying for.
Don't forget that the most qualified person doesn't necessarily get the job. The interview is all about selling yourself and making a good first impression (first impressions matter).

Also, during the interview, watch your body language. More specifically, what you do with your hands. People tend to play around with things when they get nervous, make sure you don't do that (what I mean by that is don't have your hands in your pockets, play with your keys or other things). Keep your hands visible (don't hide them under the table) and make eye contact throughout the interview (don't look down all the time).
Bring along a copy of your resume, transcript (if applicable) and cover letter (if you wrote one) with you to the interview. The interviewer should already have a copy, but I've had them forget more than once (or they just have a hard time finding it if they're conducting a large number of interviews that day). It also helps if they look through your resume and ask you specific questions about it, that way you can follow along. You can also bring a pen and some paper to take notes, though this is more useful for technical interviews (like interviews I get for engineering positions), I'm not sure it would be useful/needed in your case.

That's just what I have to say about interviews. Good luck (assuming you do end up getting an interview).

 

The suit I have now is way too fancy for this kind of interview and I would look ridiculous showing up in that. I think that a casual suit and tie would be my best option.

 

Thibault gives very good interview advice... thank goodness an era is gone and "impress me" has faded away. Best real story response to that being a man pulling a lighter from his pocket and setting fire to the newspaper the interviewer was reading.

You know, what they expect does vary from store to store, even if they have some directions for what they are to look for. In 'pro' talk, interviewers have different 'styles'. Whatever the one you meet has, relax. You can only prepare with merit, unless you have done this so many times you can predict well what questions you'll hear.

I'd forget: turn off your phone, pager... interviewers hate if they go off. If you can, get someone to look at your outfit to make sure you don't have a zipper open or something.

 

Good luck
May you get this job :yes: Then I could use your discount:yes::wink:
Lynn

 

good luck on the interview

quick tips:

1) show up about 10-7 minutes early (5 minutes feels a little too late)

2) wear dress pants, a shirt with collar and nice shoes (NOT SNEAKERS!) *as was stated before*

3) listen to the poster from before who outlined everything very well

4) please please please dont get your hopes up, i know it sounds awful but being new to the sales industry as well as being so young it wouldnt surprise me if (you got hired) you would be placed with someone to train you, until you build confidence as well as aged a little. as bad as it sounds, from a sales point of view, if i was purchasing something that can cost thousands of dollars, someone who gives off confidence and experience in their body language will be much more influential in sales than someone new to the business...


Good luck, maybe try a practice interview with someone so you can get some answers and dont get stuck on some questions...

 

Good luck! It would be awesome to work at an Apple Store.

As far as I've read and experienced, their biggest requirements are that you're friendly, approachable and love the products that you sell. You will want to learn more about OS X then!

Apple's hiring process is extremely picky though, I have to warn you: its about 5% acceptance rate. So out of 10'000 applicants they pick about 500!

 

I sent in my resume. Let's see what happens now...

 

It depends really. It's not a law firm, and a full blown suit could be overdoing it. It shouldn't matter TOO much what he wears, as long as he is presentable. He's working in retail front line, not a problem.

Dress pants,dress shoes, and a button up would probably be more than enough. Maybe a tie but ask what they think is necessary. Your goal is to get hired, and they won't hire you based off a suit or a polo.

At the end of the day, what comes out of your mouth and how you carry yourself will be much more important in this position.

The biggest advice is to carry a positive and happy disposition. Talk like you love talking.

If you do the above I guarantee you will get hired.

 

By the way, I think I'm more nervous to speak on the phone with a manager or someone looking through resumes, for them to determine if they should give me an interview, more than the actual interview. I just get more nervous talking over the phone to somebody such as a manager that could hire me than talking to them in person. I know I'm always more laid-back when I talk to them in person.

What is the chance that they will follow up with a call instead of an email, if they follow up at all? Any tips for speaking on the phone with an Apple Store manager? I think that I really wrote an extremely professional resume that should show anyone who reads it my potential with the company, I hope that I do get the job. I'd be perfect for it.

 

I'm really curious now. I'd love to see your Résumé if it's that professional.

To answer your question, my bet is that they will contact you by phone and not email.
I don't really have that many tips for speaking on the phone. The phone conversation should be short if anything, should just be to schedule a convenient time for the interview (unless he decides to do a phone interview). Not much else to say, just be yourself, polite and respectful. Thank him for the opportunity and tell him you look forward to meeting him in person to discuss the position.

 

I'd prefer not to share my resume for obvious reasons.

 

Delete the private information?

 

That wasn't one of the reasons. I'm not saying that I wouldn't mind a second opinion, but I'd just prefer not to share it.

 

What are the other reasons then? I didn't see any other reason why it would bother you. Especially considering that it's an "extremely professional resume".
Either way, it's your choice. I'm just curious but I'm obviously not going to force you to show it to me. Good luck with the job.

 

Good luck for the job. Be confident of yourself and do not hesitate to boast apple and it history and all the fame of Steve Jobs!!!

 

Umm yeah try not to suck up too much...

 

agreed... dont suck up to the manager ... be agreeable and likable, but dont suck up and be needy...

also you said you were more "laid back" in person... dont be too "laid back" this isnt a party or talking with your close friend, this is a professional job interview, if the interviewer sees you as being too laid back and not taking it seriously, than he will assume that is your attitude and wont hire you...

i would be VERY surprised if the manager conducted a phone interview... if anything it would be a call to come down for an interview

 

So you get the job yet? Hook me up!!

 

Does anyone that reads the forum work at an Apple Store? Isn't it against Apple's policy to discuss your job on a discussion forum, including if you are an employee? No, I didn't hear anything yet, it usually takes a week for them to contact you for an interview, from what I've heard. I'm not sure if I'm even allowed to say if I get an interview, Apple's policy is pretty strict.

 

What?
Against Apple's policy to discuss your job? Where are you getting all your information (18$/hour and this?)?
Why would it be against Apple's policy to discuss your job!? It's Apple we're talking about here... not some top secret job... You have freedom of speech here... You're allowed to tell people what your job is, if you have an interview...
First of all, you haven't signed on with them. You haven't signed any contract with them. Right now, you have no obligation and you can say what you want. If they make you sign something, it will be something that prevents you from releasing any confidential information to anyone. When I take on a job, I sign a confidentiality form that prevents me from sharing corporate information (procedures, drawing, technical data, calculations...) with other companies. I also sign a contract that gives my company the rights to anything I might invent, design, engineer, etc.

Not even allowed to say if you get an interview? If you get the job, do you have to go to work wearing a disguise so that no one can identify you?

 

Yeah if you haven't signed anything you can do what ever you want. It Apple retail, the lowest of Apples jobs. Maybe if you where working in corporate headquarters I can see things being different, but it's retail...

 

I have read on the MacRumors forums more than once that Apple doesn't let Apple Store employees say they work at an Apple Store on discussion forums. Otherwise, employees can tell anyone that they want. The entire process from the interview on is supposed to be confidential, for whatever reason. That's just what I've repeatedly heard (which is why it was so newsworthy when someone documented the entire process of applying for an interview, questions asked during the interview, and training for the job).

 

Well you can still tell us if you get a interview.

 

I think you're making a big deal out of this little job. It's a retail job with Apple... not a big deal.
I've never heard of anything like this, and I doubt it is true. If it's the same source that told you the minimum salary was 18$/hour then I doubt it is very reliable.
Either way, right now you can do whatever you want as you have not signed anything with Apple. Maybe once you get a job they will make you sign something saying you can't talk about your job, interview or anything related to Apple online (though I doubt it).

 

You'd actually be kind of surprised how strict some of Apple's policies are if you check online. You could get fired for talking about using developer builds of software...

 

Link? I'd like to be surprised.

 

It's actually hard to find one site listing them all. I just did a Google search and found some strict policies spread across a couple sites. I couldn't find any of Apple's official documents, though.

 

Well, if you're disclosing information you're not supposed to, then yes, but I don't believe Apple has the legal right to say you cannot tell anyone you work for Apple; that's like secret agent stuff . Plus, as far as I've heard and known, the Apple Store employees don't know much more about new products than the average consumer who reads a few Mac blogs; only the people up at Cupertino know, and the Apple Store managers only know that new shipments are coming in.

 

Nobody that reads these forums works/has worked at an Apple Store? Does anybody have an idea what timeframe I should expect for the "potential interview period" and the "not hired period" after applying? From what I've heard, it usually takes about a week for someone to contact you for an interview (if they are), and after three weeks there's really no chance that you'll be interviewed.

 

They'll call you when they call you. There not always looks for people.

 

Michael, why does it have to be Apple?

Why not Best Buy or some other big electronics store? I'd prefer to work in a larger store with more variety of electronics than just Apple products, especially if the pay is the same.

 

Most stores require you to be older than Apple requires.

 

I find that odd, I would of thought it would be the other way around. Where did you hear this?

 

Apple has no minimum age set. Most other retailers do, check their sites. I actually got offered a job at BestBuy when I was looking at TVs and talking about them with a guy in the store. I'm a little younger than BestBuy's minimum age, though.

 

by how much?

 

A few months.

 

then just wait if apple doesn't work out

 

It would be awesome to work at an Apple store! I would make it my first priority to get into there, but if all else fails, you can have BestBuy to fall back on. As Donald Trump would say, if you're gonna dream at all, dream big!

 

Working retail at an Apple store is dreaming big?

 

As compared to working at BestBuy, greeting people at the door.

 

And having to talk nonsense about certain computers sometimes.