Interview Question for Software Engineer at Apple:

Check to see if its plugged in... then start taking it apart.

It is a cell phone. It does not have a dial tone. (My assumption is as good as the question's.)

I totally agree with EriK

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I think to be at Apple - one should think outside the box.

Start by giving some creative answers:
E.g. I try to troubleshoot the phone myself by 1) checking the plug in the wall; 2) making sure there is nothing wrong with the wire connecting the handle from the device itself; 3) try to see if there isn't supposed to be a dial tone originally by trying some internal extension or/and call an outside phone 4) then call somebody from the cellphone to ask for expert help. 5) using the internet on your phone could also be an opiton; 6) finally, find a way to exit the room - your problem is more that you are stuck in a room rather than trying to fix a dumb phone...

What are we trying to solve?

What exactly is the problem? That you are in a locked room? That you have a phone? That you have no dial tone?

Define the problem before you attempt to solve it.

The phone has no dial-tone (this is a statement of fact in the question). The only way to get it fixed then, would be to get out of the room. So, I'd say that the solution here is to make your way out of the room - break the door, bang on it, etc.

This is a great opportunity to use the "5 Whys" a Japanese approach to finding the root cause of (quality) problems:
1. Why ... does the phone need fixing (assuming no dial tone is an identified problem)
Ans ... to talk to someone.
2. Why ... do you need to talk to someone?
Ans ... to get help
3. Why ... do you need help?
Ans ... to get something done
4. Why ... what needs to be done?
Ans ... etc.
5. Why not ... see to THAT problem; the phone (if working) is only ONE tool to fix the ultimate problem. Now that you have a better idea of what the problem is, you can find another even better tool since you will have cut-out a less productive step fixing a phone that only marginally takes you forward.

What interviewer wouldn't be impressed with so contemporary, thorough and cool approach? Afterall, the Japanese developed it. BTW if the room were sealed, you'd probably be dead and the interviewer elected to high government office.

If you put me in a sealed room, I'd be more concerned about running out of air than I would be with getting a dial tone on a phone.

I'd use the phone as a club to try to break out of the room before my air ran out. Then I'd use it on the interviewer who sealed me in the room.

It would most likely destroy any chance I'd have at getting a job at apple but I think I would be forced to say, " well if it's my iPhone with AT&T phone service, not having a dial tone or being able to make a phone call is normal and everything is working just as it should be! Next question???

I'd use my phone to get some help getting out of that room.

I would check if there are wireless internet single, if there are I will send text messages or use Skype.