Apple Sales Specialist Interview Questions & Reviews

Interviewed May 2011 in New York, NY (took 1+ week)

I applied online in May 2011 for Long Island, NY and about 2 weeks later received an email invite to attend a recruiting event at a local hotel. I arrived early and waited with most of the applicants as the managers hovered around making small talk. My interview was the second recruiting of their day of which they had three. About 25 people showed up at mine at from what I understand about the same amount at the other two. When we were let into the room it was just a meet and greet with the managers as they got a feel for you. I knew a couple of the managers from being helped at the stores. We were then seated and the managers introduced themselves and we were shown a brief video about Apple and asked questions at different breaks from the video. I was able to answer a few questions which is a good thing....they encourage you to participate. We then had to fill out a form with name and address...hours we're available to work...any upcoming time off that we know we will need...etc. Then on the back of the form were a series of Apple questions to test your knowledge...we were told that these were not important to get right just a fact finder. Right! Then why bother asking? I answered all questions and got most right...knew about this from being prepared by comments here on glassdoor.com. Each of us then had to introduce ourselves and tell a little about us. Also what gadgets we have and like. We were broken up into 5 groups to do a presentation that they gave us the facts about. A manager was with each group taking notes about who participated and who knew what they were talking about. It lasted about 10 minutes and from that I guess they decided who would be a good candidate to move on. Then there was a short question and answer period in which I was very involved...even had one of my answers repeated by the recruiter to the group as a good answer. I thought it went well and we were told we would hear in about a week by email if we were to move on.
Now the whole interview process is about 4 different interviews from what we were told. We were also told that at this time they were only really hiring part timers for sales only.
I received an email the very next day telling me to go to this link for my background check. I felt this was very encouraging. Then later that day I received a phone call from one of the managers for a second interview the next day. Again...very encouraging.
I was told we would be meeting at Panera near one of the Apple stores. When I got there I saw a couple of groups and a manager came over to greet me and have me wait a few minutes to begin. They were obviously interviewing others all day. I sat with 3 managers...2 female 1 male....and I think there was someone at a nearby table taking notes on an Apple laptop. The interview lasted 25 minutes and consisted of general questions about why do you want to work here...problems at other jobs...how to handle disruptive customers...any questions about Apple. The females seemed to like me but I didn't get a good vibe from the male. They said I would here by email if I'll move on in about a week.
Unfortunately 8 days later I received an email thanking me but that they had many applicants and were moving forward with candidates more suited for today. Now I may have taken that the wrong way but I am 57
and just felt they were telling me I was too old. Not sure though....Apple does have older people working for them. Anyway....I was really disappointed. I've been using Apple products since 1990 and had a lot of knowledge about Apple products. Guess I just wasn't what they wanted.
It was quite an experience but a tough one for someone at my age looking for work. I'd say more than 20 of the other applicants at my meeting were 20-30 years old.
I still love Apple but feel a little let down by the email they sent me. I think they made a mistake not hiring me because I could offer them a lot.