Apple Specialist Interview Questions & Reviews
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Updated Jan 31, 2012 – Interview questions and reviews posted anonymously by interview candidates.
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Difficulty Rating [?] Based on 195 ratings 
“Average” Interview
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Interview Experience [?] Based on 195 ratings
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| 1–10 of 195 Apple Interviews | Sort by |
Specialist at Apple
Posted Jan 31, 2012
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1.0
Very Easy Interview
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Overall Positive Experience
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Received and Accepted Offer
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Interviewed Dec 2010 (took 3 weeks)
Started with a phone interview. Basic questions (strengths, weaknesses...) followed by 3 face to face interviews. No techie questions. They want a personality fit.
Negotiation Details
No negotiations
Other Details
The interview consisted of a Phone Interview, a Group/Panel Interview and a Background Check.
Helpful Interview?
Yes |
No
Inappropriate?
Specialist at Apple
Posted Jan 21, 2012
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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 Jul 2010 in Richmond, VA (took 3 days)
- Applied online for a part-time specialist position so I could pay the rent.
- Had a group interview with about 20 people ... took about an hour or so and they asked us about Apple stuff and to make a brief presentation about your favorite product.
- Got a call to be interviewed for a Genius position.
- Phone interview with lead genius for technical screening - I was asked about 20-30 questions about general computing and Apple-related hardware and software. No brain teasers or anything like that.
- Interview with hiring manager and lead genius ... talked about working on a team, previous work experience, etc.
- Interview with store leader and marketing manager and we got along well.
Interview Questions
Negotiation Details
Ha! Asked if salary was negotiable and got a big "No." I was under the impression that I was lucky to have gotten an offer, especially as a Genius. It was my first job out of college and I figured I should take it, and I'm glad I did. At least I got a raise after a year (to about $15/ hr).
Other Details
I Applied Online and the interview consisted of a Phone Interview, a 1:1 Interview, a Group/Panel Interview, a Skills Test and a Background Check.
Helpful Interview?
Yes |
No
View Comments (1)
Inappropriate?
Specialist at Apple
Posted Jan 16, 2012 — 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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Interviewed and No Offer
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Interviewed Jan 2012 (took 3 weeks)
Interviewing at Apple is unlike any other retail job, in that they go out of their way to thoroughly screen applicants. My experience was similar to others...it started with an online application, and then I was invited to a group interview about 2 months later. About 30 applicants were there, along with 6 store workers. The event was very informal, split between a presentation about the company, group questions, and then small group tasks. Overall, the event took about 2 hours. While the employees were generally upbeat about the company, they skirted around questions such as how many people they were looking to hire, and what they were looking for in a candidate
2 days later, I got an email requesting a information for a background check, and the next day I received a phone call inviting me in for a 1:1 interview. From talking with other applicants later on, they sit you down with one of the branch leaders...I had the business leader. Pretty standard interview, though they definitely concentrate on things like hobbies and extra-curricular interests more than most companies. I actually missed some question relating to the new OS, but they didnt seem to care a whole lot at this level as the person I interviewed with actually set up the time for my next interview at the end.
My 3rd interview was another 1:1, this time with the store leader. I didnt really know what to make of this interview, as half of it was spent discussing baseball and the interviewer didnt even have my resume in hand (he didn't seem to care much about past experiences). It went well enough that I got a phone call the next day requesting a 4th interview with a market leader.
The 4th interview was where I faltered in the process, though I dont entirely know why. Because the market leader was coming in from out of state, he showed up an hour late, and thusly instead of having a 1:1 he interview 2 of us at the same time. This interview was by far the most technical of the 4, but still a fairly free-flowing conversation. I was able to answer all the questions correctly this time, and was able to answer all the questions that the other interviewee missed. Still, I received a phone call 4 days later informing me they were sorry but they were moving on with other candidates.
In closing, after having gone through the process I still cannot tell you what Apple is looking for in their employees. They mentioned that they received thousands of applications, and that merely getting invited to their group session is indicative of an accomplishment. The only thing that really irked me about the process was that the 1:1 interviews took place on benches in the middle of a busy mall, which can make it difficult to focus on the interview, but perhaps that is intentional.
Interview Questions
Other Details
I Applied Online and the interview consisted of a 1:1 Interview, a Group/Panel Interview and a Background Check.
Helpful Interview?
Yes |
No
Inappropriate?
Specialist at Apple
Posted Jan 19, 2012
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4.0
Difficult Interview
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Overall Negative Experience
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Interviewed and No Offer
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Interviewed Oct 2011 in Manhasset, NY (took 3 weeks)
It started with an Email 11 days after applying online through the company website.
After a lot of excitement you set up for a group interview with about 50 other applicants in the same room.
Dependent on your answers they will push you through to the next stage; be outgoing and attentive while watching the video, also don't try to be a hog while doing the presentation definitely try your hardest to make sure everyone goes (including the shy one).
The second interview consists of questions regarding what you like to do on your free time and is basically a back and fourth conversation between yourself, 3 other applicants and a store manager along with the hiring coordinator.
I think I talked too much for this part of the interview process because although all of my peers said I did well, the interviewers didn't feel the same as I didn't receive a callback.
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 Jan 17, 2012
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1.0
Very Easy Interview
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Overall Negative Experience
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Interviewed and No Offer
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Interviewed Jan 2012 in San Francisco, CA (took 4+ weeks)
Went online to Apple.com and applied via "Job Opportunities" tab. You fill out a very basic application and have the choice to upload your resume, which I did. You fill out several questions, I believe it was a total of 5, and they are very basic questions.
1 month later I heard back via email that I was invited to a "hiring event" interview at Apple. The date of the event was 2 weeks away so if you work or are in school you can make arrangements to make the interview. The hiring event was held at a local hotel. Apple did pay for parking via parking voucher.
When you arrive, you check-in via an Apple rep that will be outside in the lobby and will give you a name tag and a paper to fill out with availability, contact info, and ask you to number your choices of desired locations. You will also put down Apple products you are familiar with. I recommend you introduce yourself and take a moment to chat with other applicants as this will not only help calm your nerves, but it will show you’re not shy and are a people person.
As a group we were all called into a room and 2 Apple employees were waiting outside and they played music. As you go inside, smile and act like you are impressed. When you sit down they tell you to introduce yourselves to who is sitting next to you. They then go around the room and each person introduces themselves and have you say 1 fun/unique thing about yourself. Have a fun job or interesting thing to talk about. This is all personality and someone is taking notes in the room as you speak, so be energetic and sincere.
After going around the room they play a few presentations about Apple. After each video they will ask if anyone has ?’s or comments. Come up with things like how Apple is always growing, how they have such great diversity, etc. Be sure to raise your hand and speak, as they have someone taking notes. You do not need to go overboard, but it will look good if you can address each video with a comment.
After 45 mins of the "why Apple rocks" videos, you are then called to a small group interview. You are broken down into smaller groups via store you selected as top choice to work at. You go into your new room as a smaller group and are introduced to 2 Apple employees on the hiring board. Again, smile, act energetic, act like you’re so happy to be there.
They have you sit down and you hear a bit about them and then you’re being asked questions. Each candidate responds to the question being asked and most are all personality/who you are type questions. In reality you should already know what to answer as the questions are basic hr questions like "Did you ever have a conflict with a co-worker and how did you handle it?" type questions. Do not feel intimidated, take your time, and try to be unique. One person was taking notes, but never let that make you feel pressured. They will also ask you what Apple products you are familiar with, your answer should match what you checked off on the paper they had you fill out in the lobby when you arrived. They ask if you have any questions and I recommend you have a question or comment to make. You are then released; shake hands and do the fake smile and leave.
My tips for candidates: Always make eye contact, do not be shy, always make a comment when appropriate, and show you are a "people" person. You do not need to be skilled to work at Apple. You do not need a degree, or have significant computer experience. They want to sell products as a specialist and form bonds with customers so they come back again and again. Show some enthusiasm and play the game.
Why does Apple create products in California but make every product in China? Americans need jobs, open a factory here!
Why does Apple not share profits with investors?
I typed this on my PC.
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 21, 2011 — 3 of 3 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 Dec 2011 in New York, NY (took 2+ weeks)
I applied for the Specialist position online in October. A friend of mine who works at an Apple store in another state logged in to their internal referral portal and recommended me for the position. I suggest that you find someone who already works at Apple to do this as it makes the entire process much more fluid.
I didn't hear back until December when I was called in for a group interview. This is the first stage of the hiring process and this particular group interview was for referrals only. There were about 30 of us at a conference room and it was a very relaxed, informal setting for dialogue. We filled out a form that asked questions about availability. On the back side were about 30 questions about Apple products that anyone who is accustomed to using a Mac would have no problem breezing through. We introduced ourselves, gave an interesting fact, and then the facilitators (there were 2) gave us some information about Apple retail, facts, figures, etc. At the end of most slides they opened up the floor for discussion.
Be a part of the dialogue but don't be over eager or overbearing. Listen as much as you speak, and don't just speak for the sake of speaking (i.e. reiterating what has already been said). Our facilitator was incredibly friendly and quickly learned the names of the most active participants. After the dialogue we had a small group activity basically profiling a fake customer and making a product recommendation based on the little bit of information we were given. We then reported our solution to the rest of the group. Again, make sure you are working as a team. I don't think the assignment is about getting the correct solution. I think they are more interested in seeing how you function as a team. Listen to your group members, be insightful, and present with confidence.
We left and were told next steps would be a phone interview if we were chosen to proceed.
The phone interview went rather well. The person that interviewed me happened to be the same woman that facilitated the group interview so I was at an advantage there. I had done hours of online research and preparation that ended up not really being relevant to the conversation. We chatted more about why I wanted to work at Apple, how my experiences prepared me and next-steps for setting up the last and final interview with the store leader. The phone interview was honestly more of a fluid conversation than anything and it kind of seemed like she had made a decision about me moving forward before we even began talking.
The last and final interview with the store leader happened at the same location as the group interview. I met with two individuals from the store I applied to, went over my resume, chatted about my educational background, versatile skill set and other customer experiences. Again, I was very much just being myself and the dialogue was extremely conversational.
MY ADVICE: Do your research as you should with ANY interview, but from my experience, this is less of a test of your technical expertise and more of an assessment of your personality. If you are applying to work in a high-traffic store can you handle difficult customer situations? Do you have retail experience? Are you personable? Do you learn quickly and efficiently? Think about the answers to these questions and emphasize that more so than your smarts. Training will come later. As a specialist the emphasis is definitely more customer interaction. If you are on this site then you're already in good shape.
Good luck!
Interview Questions
Negotiation Details
No negotiation. I was happy with my offer. Also, be sure to have open/weekend availability.
Other Details
The interview consisted of a Phone Interview, a 1:1 Interview, a Group/Panel Interview and a Background Check.
Helpful Interview?
Yes |
No
Inappropriate?
Specialist at Apple
Posted Dec 11, 2011 — 1 of 1 people found this helpful
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3.0
Average Interview
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Overall Neutral Experience
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Interviewed and No Offer
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Interviewed Dec 2011 in Las Vegas, NV (took a day)
Filled out application and 1 month later invited to a group seminar. Seminars last 2 hours, watch some videos and break up into smaller group and have interview with store manager. During the seminar they stated that we will have result within 7days but it's 10 day already and still no words..
Interview Questions
Other Details
The interview consisted of a Group/Panel Interview.
Helpful Interview?
Yes |
No
View Comments (1)
Inappropriate?
Specialist at Apple
Posted Nov 30, 2011 — 2 of 2 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 Nov 2011 (took 4+ weeks)
Like many others here, my interview process began with an online application. Immediately afterward I moved onto the online personality test, which I'm sure you're probably a whiz at considering you're reading this site. A few days later, I received an e-mail letting me know that I was being invited to attend an Apple Hiring Event. Went to the website and reserved my spot and celebrated.
The hiring event was at a hotel and I wore jeans, a black button up with the sleeves rolled up, and Vans. Some people were in suits, but I never saw any of them again. They had us fill out a very basic paper, with really only our availability and the stores/positions we were applying for on it. Once we got in there, we "sold" the person next to us to the crowd. Then we watched a short video and had a short question-answer section. They're asking the questions, you should try to answer. This is your chance to show off, but don't come off as a jerk. Then we broke up into groups and answered those typical interview questions with the help of an iPad. The interviewer always followed up a question with asking how the experience made you feel or what you learned from it so be prepared. There were also people roving the room taking notes, so don't space out while people are talking. Then we were given the instruction to bring our chairs together, but that took a little time. I suggest talking it up rather than just sitting down right away. A final question session followed and then we were free to go.
A few days after that I got a call asking whether or not I was still interested (DUH!?) and then I was asked to come in with an interview with a manager. At this interview the only information she seemed to have on me was that same simple paper from the hiring event, so it was really a "getting to know you" type of interview. I was asked about my work history, history with Apple products and we talked for a bit about Siri. Then I was told I would be moving on to chat with another manager (it was made clear at the hiring event that an offer would only occur after the fourth interview).
About a week after that, the same person called me and asked if I would like to come in for an interview with the store leader. My third interview was even more brief than the second, it lasted about fifteen minutes. We walked outside the store and went over my name, short work history, why Apple?, and my favorite iPhone app. The interview concluded with "next steps", and I was told that if they were going to move ahead with me I would get a call by the end of the week.
The call came and I scheduled my interview with the market leader. This one was about the same as the third and I was more relaxed because I knew what kinds of questions they'd ask me. Again, I was told what the "next steps" were if I was going to be hired was told what dates my orientation would be IF I were hired.
The following Monday, I received an e-mail from the people manager at my store requesting a background check. I immediately followed the instructions and two days later I was called by this same manager with an offer!
Interview Questions
Negotiation Details
No negotiation, I received an amazing offer.
Other Details
I Applied Online and the interview consisted of a 1:1 Interview, a Group/Panel Interview, a Presentation, a Personality Test and a Background Check.
Helpful Interview?
Yes |
No
Inappropriate?
Specialist at Apple
Posted Dec 6, 2011
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3.0
Average Interview
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Overall Neutral Experience
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Received and Accepted Offer
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Interviewed Jan 2009 (took 3 days)
They asked a lot of questions as if there was a book somewhere and they selected 6 random questions that seemed to have real purpose other than to see how one thinks on their feet. I didn't really think Apple was going to hire me due to my lack of retail and Apple product experience so I was fairly indifferent to the whole process. Some how I think they took that as confidence... Who knows.
Interview Questions
Negotiation Details
Given I was being hired as holiday help I didn't really try and negotiate anything
Other Details
I got the interview through an Employee Referral and the interview consisted of a Phone Interview, a 1:1 Interview and a Group/Panel Interview.
Helpful Interview?
Yes |
No
Inappropriate?
Specialist at Apple
Posted Dec 2, 2011
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2.0
Easy Interview
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Overall Negative Experience
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Interviewed and No Offer
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Interviewed Nov 2011 (took 1 week)
Made a profile on Apple.com years ago and let it go inactive. Nothing actually happened until a friend of mine submitted a referral. After I polished everything up on my profile I got a phone call after a month (write a great and personal cover letter, they WILL read it). She set up a phone interview for a few days from then.
The phone call came about an hour late (lateness will be a thing with Apple). I was freaking out but it was a short screening and pleasant. He asked briefly about customer service experience and my relationship with Apple products, we talked about current events as well. It was very casual and they like when you can converse about anything. Then he told me he would have someone call to set up an interview with someone he had in mind for me. The next day another person called and set up a one on one interview the following week. She picked someone randomly so the phone interviewer didn't actually set me up with anyone in particular.
I went to the store, checked in and waited about 15 mins. I met with a nice floor manager who took me to a place in the mall with couches. It was nice and casual. He focused on my relationship with Apple and the conversation flowed well. The other thing they're most concerned about was customer service but he didn't ask me pointed questions. It's a good sign if you can get the conversation to flow naturally into those topics. He made it clear that Apple typically starts everyone out as Specialist part time unless you're coming in with loads of experience in a particular area but that people get the chance to find what dept they like and are often promoted or switched to a more specialized role. This was the first time hey indicated what position they wanted me for. I was really excited. Then he had me do an unscheduled meet with another manager because he liked our conversation. I hung out in the store for about 15 minutes and met the other manager who is in charge of hiring and doesn't interact with the customers as much.
Now this guy, this one wasn't easy to talk to. It really depends on who you get for interviews, what the last one liked the next one might not care about. He took me to a high traffic part of the mall, talked about himself until I found a segue to talk about customer service experience which was his main focus. Soon I had a feeling he had already decided he didn't like me on sight because he didn't ask me many questions. He asked if I knew someone from a project I work for (which if the answer is no, then the conversation ends there and it's awkward. if yes, you've got a good in) and then asked about how we do things there even though it was entirely unrelated to Apple. When it came time for me to answer he was terribly uninterested. People shouting in the mall or just passing by had him turning his head completely away from me. I got flustered once because I followed his eyes to the person he kept staring at while I was talking and apologized and he looked annoyed. But had I not apologized he probably wouldn't have stopped staring at the woman. If this was a test, it was a really bad one. If it wasn't, I have no idea who would survive an interview with him in a crowded mall. Eventually I just asked him about himself again and he was back into the conversation. Turns out he was a business transplant from a larger, generic type store. The others 'grew up' within Apple. You can really tell the difference and should adjust your conversation to fit.
My experience with the guy completely changed my feelings about the experience. And it didn't end there. A few days later I got an email from him with the worst rejection I've ever gotten. Instead of being upset I just had to laugh to keep from crying because of course even this guy's emails would be bad. This was the first time Apple didn't communicate with me by phone or person. The email was completely macroed, in other words the message was a pre-made script pasted into an email with a simple keystroke. But whoops, the font of the crappy 3 sentence rejection was completely different than the part with my name (just my name, no greeting) and his salutation. He couldn't even bother to format it so it wasn't obvious he created and fired it off in 5 seconds.
But everyone up until him was a delight. It was my first time enjoying an interview and working at Apple sounds even more fulfilling after talking to them. I'm planning on continuing to apply to other locations. Don't be discouraged if you haven't heard from Apple for a long time but keep your profile fresh and keep submitting to new openings anywhere you can get to.
Interview Questions
Other Details
The interview consisted of a Phone Interview and a 1:1 Interview.
Helpful Interview?
Yes |
No
Inappropriate?
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