Apple Interview Questions & Reviews in San Francisco, CA Area
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Updated May 24, 2012 – Interview questions and reviews posted anonymously by interview candidates.
Ratings are reflective of location and job title.
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Difficulty Rating [?] Based on 19 ratings 
“Average” Interview
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Interview Experience [?] Based on 19 ratings
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| 11–19 of 19 Apple Interviews | Sort by |
Specialist at Apple
Posted Aug 11, 2011
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4.0
Difficult Interview
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Overall Neutral Experience
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Received and Accepted Offer
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Interviewed Jan 2011 in San Francisco, CA (took 3 weeks)
Oddly enough, I applied for the job via craigslist, which sent me to their website's employment opportunities page. After filling out some information there, including my resume and contact info, I received an email several days later for an invitation to a hiring event at a hotel downtown.
There were three events that day and I chose the middle one. There were approximately 50 people at the event. I wasn't sure about how many people attended the other event, but after working for them for a few months, I can safely say it was probably about the same. During the event, around seven employees come out in their Apple shirts and talk about the company and mainly just talk it up; about how great it is, how much fun you'll have, etc. You have to fill out a 20-questionnaire about basic tech knowledge. (What is RAM?) the difference between an SSD and ATA hard drive). There are videos and then we all get up and describe ourselves. They made us get into groups for the last part. We each had to answer and describe questions prompted to us on an iPad in our groups. (What is your greatest strength?) (When have you ever had to turn someone down?)
I got a call that same afternoon from Apple wanting me to come down for an interview two days later. This interview was at the store and was a group (six of us). This interview was with a store leader (manager). The interview covered basic interview-like questions and took about 45 min. There were also some tech questions where they asked us to explain the difference between features and benefits of our phones.
I got an email the next day saying I had moved on to the next round of interviews. This time it was an interview with the head store leader in a week. This was another group interview with similar questions, but more personal development-type questions that focused on who you are and what you think it's like to work for Apple. This is the first interview to bring up what store goals are and personal numbers. It's a much harder interview. I didn't think I was going to get the job after this interview because of the questions I had to answer. The interview process is designed to be long and hard as to weed out those who can't think under pressure and those who cannot extemporize easily. Remember, it's a sales position after all.
I got an email a couple days later moving up to the next and final round. This was another group interview with the Market Leader for the Bay Area. The interview was more candid than the others, and focused more on our personal accomplishments in life and work. The questions were given to have us describe very situational experiences that showed our strengths. It was the shortest interview (25-30) minutes.
About three days later I received a call from the hiring manager offering me the job and a date for a week of Market Core training to be had three weeks later. I went through the interview process in late January, got the job in February and my first day in the store wasn't until early March.
Interview Questions
Other Details
I Applied Online and the interview consisted of a Phone Interview, a 1:1 Interview, a Group/Panel Interview and a Background Check.
More Apple Specialist Interviews
Helpful Interview?
Yes |
No
Inappropriate?
Mac Specialist (Apple Store) at Apple
Posted Jul 20, 2011
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3.0
Average Interview
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Overall Positive Experience
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Interviewed and No Offer
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Interviewed Jul 2011 in San Francisco, CA (took 2 days)
First interview was the same as everyone else says. Group interview; just be yourself, speak out whenever you can but not too often, don't want to seem like a douche. Apple likes genuine people.
Second interview was what killed me. It was me and two other people applying with one person interviewing us. The interviewer appeared friendly at first, but when we spoke they had a stone cold poker face. I tried my best to try and get them involved in a conversation and to make them laugh but it seemed like a no go. Tough crowd so to speak, usually I thought I was good with people. None of us walked out confident, and I got an email the next day saying that I didn't make the cut to the third interview. Maybe it really was just me, but I felt that I gave it my best shot.
Interview Questions
Other Details
The interview consisted of a Group/Panel Interview.
More Apple Mac Specialist (Apple Store) Interviews
Helpful Interview?
Yes |
No
Inappropriate?
Manager at Apple
Posted Jun 20, 2011 — 2 of 2 people found this helpful
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1.0
Very Easy Interview
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Overall Negative Experience
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Received and Declined Offer
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Interviewed Jan 2011 in San Francisco, CA (took 6 months)
I had applied to the position online, and was contacted 5 months later. I was very happy with my job, but curious to see what was out there.
The initial conversation went over my experience and was super positive loved the energy of the individual!), and then I was asked to speak to a second individual...this is where my interaction went down hill. Thinking we would go more in depth over the phone, it was nothing like that. I was mostly asked about my love for Apple products, and as soon as the recruiter got on the phone all they spoke about was how tired they were and I could hear them yawning! Unfortunately, to me energy on the phone is important.
I received an email letting me know they would keep in touch, and get back to me after their crazy schedule died down. I emailed months later with no reply. I decided to contact another individual who was extremely helpful, but said the first recruiter said I did not have enough experience and I would need to get into contact with the first person. How would the first person know I am inexperienced, if she never asked about my experience and it was 6 months prior when we had spoken? She also said I should ask her about other positions to start off with Apple.
The interaction completely ruined my initial perception of Apple as a happy, friendly place.
Interview Questions
Reason for Declining
From speaking with those in comparable roles, I did not pursue position further because of low pay.
Other Details
The interview consisted of a Phone Interview.
Helpful Interview?
Yes |
No
Inappropriate?
Specialist at Apple
Posted May 29, 2010 — 1 of 1 people found this helpful
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3.0
Average Interview
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Overall Positive Experience
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Received and Accepted Offer
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Interviewed May 2010 in Corte Madera, CA (took 6 days)
I applied on the Apple website by uploading my resume and a cover letter. I got a email from a manager at Apple inviting me to a "invitation-only recruiting seminar". The seminar consisted of around 20 hopefuls and there were 3 representatives from Apple. We watched some videos about apple, and we were asked a few question such as 'Why do you think so many people visit the Apple Store?" "What did you notice about the video?". I said that they spray pheromones to attract customers and got a good laugh, and I said that I noticed the video was very well done, and very dynamic. Others were just pointing out things that were said in the video. We then did some role playing, pretending to sell products to each other in front of the group. We would act as a buyer and then as a seller. Make sure you are up to date on the Magic Mouse, Mobile Me, iPad, iTouch, iPhone, OS X 10.6, Time Capsule, and the iPods. When it was my turn to be a seller, I was the first to say "Hi, welcome to the Apple Store." and everyone else did it after me. I sat right in the front and made lots of eye contact and by the end, the seminar leader (in this case the same guy who had emailed me) was looking directly at me, and I felt like we were having a conversation. I got a call that afternoon to come in for a second interview (apparently there are 3). I recently became an Apple Certified Support Professional for OS X, and I think that helped a lot. I mentioned being certified when we were all waiting in the lobby and chatting before the seminar, and everyone seemed a little downcast to hear it. To get certified, I first took a class called Support Essentials: Snow Leopard 10.6 to prepare. The class was expensive, but I'm glad I took it. It is not a requirement to take the test. A expert with the OS would be able to pass it. After I got my certification I started offering one on one training sessions and troubleshooting services and I used my clients as references. Some of my clients have fancy job titles, so I think that was very helpful as well.
I have finished my second and third interview. They were both with 2 other people, which I thought was odd. It was a benefit to see who the competition was, and the pace would slow since you could think while the others were talking. At the second and third interview they did not have a copy of my resume. They had a tiny sheet of paper from the seminar. I mentioned at both interviews that I was certified, and they were surprised to hear it both times. I think they don't really care at that point. They know that your resume had to be good to get to this point, and now they go purely on character and charisma. I don't even have a High School diploma, others were fresh out of college. I got the job by telling the best stories about past work experiences at the last interview. They ask you to tell about a time when you went above and beyond what was asked of you to provide better service, and one time when something went terribly wrong and you were able to fix it. If you write these down ahead of time and practice them a few times, you will look really good in the interview. Remember to smile, and make lots of eye contact. I made a few jokes and made everyone laugh a few times, I think that helped a lot. Don't try that unless you are funny.
Interview Questions
Negotiation Details
I am starting at $14.00, however this is in the Bay Area where wages and the cost of living are high.
Other Details
I Applied Online and the interview consisted of a 1:1 Interview and a Group/Panel Interview.
More Apple Specialist Interviews
Helpful Interview?
Yes |
No
Inappropriate?
Specialist at Apple
Posted May 5, 2010
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3.0
Average Interview
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Overall Positive Experience
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Interviewed and No Offer
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Interviewed Apr 2010 in San Francisco, CA (took 1 week)
Applied online and got invited to a recruitment seminar with about 20 other people at the Apple store. Filled out an information sheet, name tags, and introduced ourselves. After being presented (through slideshow and video) about the entire Apple retail experience, we were grouped into teams to present an Apple product. I would assume its important to practice your presentation skills. Practice standing up properly and speaking with a clear, articulate voice. Then it was a short Q&A with the staff.
The group interview process was about 2 hours. I dressed business casual, sports coat, button down shirt, slacks, and rubber soled leather shoes. There were people that dressed way to casual (torn jeans, old t-shirt, shorts)
I got a call a few days later to come in for a second round of interviews. I have yet to see what that will be like.
Interview Questions
Other Details
I Applied Online and the interview consisted of a 1:1 Interview, a Group/Panel Interview and a Presentation.
More Apple Specialist Interviews
Helpful Interview?
Yes |
No
Inappropriate?
Intern at Apple
Posted Mar 4, 2010
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3.0
Average Interview
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Overall Negative Experience
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Interviewed and No Offer
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Interviewed Feb 2010 in San Francisco, CA (took a day)
An internal recruiter contacted me for a summer intern position in their hardware design group. The phone interview took about 45 minutes. I personally think phone interview is not effective way of communicating. The interviewer has an accent and the phone line is very noisy. The interview went into two parts. The first part is about past work experience and only one technical question was asked. The interviewer seemed to have no interest in my CVs. I can only say the time is very limited and I was speaking too fast. The technical problem is very basic digital logic design problem. I felt unfriendly when I ask questions since the interviewer did not clarify the problem. I did not answer the question well.
Interview Questions
Other Details
I got the interview through a College or University and the interview consisted of a Phone Interview.
Helpful Interview?
Yes |
No
Inappropriate?
Genius Bar at Apple
Posted Jan 7, 2010 — 1 of 1 people found this helpful
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3.0
Average Interview
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Overall Negative Experience
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Interviewed and No Offer
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Interviewed Oct 2008 in Emeryville, CA (took a day)
I thought interviewing at Apple would be a relative breeze, and came in not knowing what to expect. When I arrived to the store, I realized the entire interview process would be an exercise in sucking up to the managers at the store, who were leading a group interview and delivering propaganda on why Apple is the absolute best company to work for in the entire world.
While I am an avid Apple user (and am typing this on my beloved MacBook Pro right now), we were lead through several group exercises, including interviewing and introducing your partner to the group, then choosing a starburst and having a question asked of you according to the corresponding starburst color/flavor, etc. I guess this can be good and fun, but I felt like there was a clear favoritism towards individuals who fit the semi-yuppie mold, or those who would feel comfortable and confident at a frat/sorority type gathering, and it became obvious that every answer should be tailored to explain why you love Apple and think it is the absolute best company in the whole world.
Of course, a company wants its employees to show the love, but I guess I found all of this beyond ridiculous. I even thought about walking out or volunteering that actually, I don't think I want to work here after all, if my entire time would continue to be a lesson in sucking up and brown-nosing.
In the end, lesson learned is: Don't try to work somewhere that you might not be absolutely passionate about. Actually, I don't think that's a life lesson I'd recommend to anyone because there will always be a time or place to do something, even if it's not your life's passion or dream. However, to work for the Apple store, you have to be in a state of permanent "good-moodness" and make sure you can relate every answer to why Apple is great. I guess desiring such employees makes sense, but I just thought the extent that of some of the 30-something others in the room went to to express this was ridiculous. Glad I did not get an offer. (But they could probably sense my desire to get the heck out of there).
Interview Questions
Other Details
I Applied Online and the interview consisted of a Group/Panel Interview and a Presentation.
Helpful Interview?
Yes |
No
Inappropriate?
Specialist at Apple
Posted Dec 6, 2009 — 1 of 1 people found this helpful
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2.0
Easy Interview
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Overall Positive Experience
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Received and Accepted Offer
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Interviewed Dec 2009 in San Francisco, CA (took a day)
I interviewed with about 8 people. Apparently they usually have you meet even more people, but some were out of town this week so I got off "easy." If they like me I go back for another round of interviews with the remaining people. All in all it was an impressive way to do it, since there was time to think of and ask every conceivable question about the position. By the end of it, I really felt like I understood what they were looking for.
Everyone had their own distinctive questioning styles. I noticed that the more senior people asked more casual, open-ended questions and questions about subjects not directly related to the position. The people on my level asked questions the same way I tended to: formal, wordy, and a bit stiff.
I also found my disposition changed widely depending on who was in the room talking to me. With some people I was fidgety, other calm. Some people I could always look in the eye while with others I found myself staring at the wall a lot while I talked.
Every interviewer asked me to "describe your job at Borland." This got old quick for me, and I kept trying to find ways to not sound bored. This was an inevitable side-effect of having only one other major job on my resume.
Interview Questions
Other Details
The interview consisted of a 1:1 Interview and a Group/Panel Interview.
More Apple Specialist Interviews
Helpful Interview?
Yes |
No
Inappropriate?
Product Specialist at Apple
Posted Oct 26, 2009
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3.0
Average Interview
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Overall Positive Experience
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Received and Declined Offer
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Interviewed May 2009 in San Francisco, CA (took 4 days)
First they have you come in and watch a presentation. After that there is a group interview process where they ask you common retail questions, no surprises. After that they did a quick phone interview where they as you more in depth computer knowledge questions. Lastly you come in for your final interview where you pretty much have the job.
Interview Questions
Reason for Declining
Remembered how bad retail jobs are
Other Details
The interview consisted of a Phone Interview, a 1:1 Interview, a Group/Panel Interview and a Presentation.
Helpful Interview?
Yes |
No
Inappropriate?
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