Average Interview – Overall Positive Experience – Yes, but I declined – Wed, 4 Mar 2015
Interviewed null -1
Was invited to an Apple hiring event. There were around 15 people there that applied for multiple positions with Apple store positions. First everyone checked in and waited for the event to start. There were 7 or 8 Apple employees (managers, hiring managers). They talked a bit about the company and how rewarding it was to work for Apple. There was one guy who lead the introduction and played videos.
After 25 minutes of his presentation and videos, we were split into small groups with each area store managers. The questions were easy and it was on an iPad they we each passed around. They wanted to know how people react to situations about their previous job. However, when they smelled bs from the answers, the managers would say, "can you be more specific?" It was actually kind of funny because the managers would roll their eyes and sighed.
There were rude moments in the small group interview from one of the store managers. You could really tell who they were and weren't interested in because of the responses they would give to the individual. If they were interested, they would say, "yeah, I agree," or they would simply add on to the person's answers.
Overall the process and presentation wasn't anything new to those who are familiar with Apple. I do agree that this type of interview helps Apple quickly narrow down who stood out in retail. However, Apple could have done without one of the hiring managers for the fact that she acted a bit ignorant. Any educated person should already know that interviews goes both ways. The potential employees is also interviewing the manager to see if he/she is a competent manager.
There were also disagreements in the presentation and one of the newer Apple hiring manager. The presentation focused on how proud Apple is not to pay commission so the customers and employees can focus on building relationships on features. Apple wants people to have a great experience with their products as well as the people that stood behind them. However, during closing one of the newer hiring manager that came from a big box retailer interrupted and he stated, "I want people to understand, this is a sales job! We want you to sell as much as possible, do not leave here thinking that this isn't about selling." I noticed everyone around looked at each other very surprised because they just spent over an hour focusing on thinking differently about Apple retail, and here this manager is stressing about the car salesmen type ways of retail back in his day.
I believe the old Steve Jobs days of Apple retail are fading. It's too bad they are bringing on the big box type of managers who push for numbers. They should really make new presentation videos to reflect these changes because it is very contradicting. Consumers have a special image about Apple retail and how great it is walking into one of their stores, but this image is changing for the fact that they are caring less about the heritage that made them successful. It starts from the bottom, your customers and your employees who stand behind your products are the front line of your company, why would you change that?
Declined working for Apple at the location offered because I just could not see myself working for an incompetent manager. If you as an Apple leader can't sell us the position during the interview, what makes you think you could train people to sell the Apple experience? My advice to anyone looking towards Apple for employment is do not settle for less. They are brining on many pushy sales managers, things are changing at Apple and the overturn rate shows as they are seeking more typical sales people.
Interview Questions
Describe a time when you exceeded your own expectations at a job.
Describe a humbling experience.
What was the most difficult work experience and how did you overcome it?
Example of a time to better yourself as an employee and what I took from the experience?
How to handle differences with co workers?
Answer Question