I applied through an employee referral. The process took 3 weeks. I interviewed at Apple (Chicago, IL) in Apr 2014
Interview
This process was a nightmare and felt like a psychology experiment. First there's the group interview. As long as you ask a lot of questions and try really hard to look like you care you'll get the second interview. The second interview was two other people. The third interview was supposed to be one on one, but someone showed up half way through our interview, said that their grandmother had died and they were getting on the airplane as soon as the interview was over, and they gave the job to him. I got called back for another group interview - a second chance - went through this whole process again and they gave it to someone else.
Interview questions [1]
Question 1
If you could travel anywhere in the world, where would it be and why?
I applied online. The process took 5 days. I interviewed at Apple (Arlington, VA) in May 2014
Interview
Started with an online application. They then sent me an email a few days later asking me to come in for an event at an Apple store where they would get to know me better and I could get to understand the type of job it was. A lot of propaganda, a lot of "team building" actives. We had to do a group project. They seemed to want everyone to buy everything they were saying. It was a bit irritating.
Interview questions [1]
Question 1
How have you dealt with an unhappy customer before?
I applied online through there website. The online application was simple and easy to follow. There was no skill testing questions, but some involved your understanding of retail work ethic. For example: How would you deal with 'certain' situations; What is your idea of good customer service; etc.
I was very excited for this position because of my past retail experience, and working with Apple product. There also seems to be a cheerful atmosphere in every Apple store in which I wanted to provide as well.
After waiting for a couple weeks I had imagined that I did not qualify, and stopped thinking about it. Then, a month and a half later, I received a call. I was invited to a group interview at the Apple store.
A small group of six met in the store at opening time. The manager came out and we proceeded to the Mall's cafeteria, where the group interview was held at a large table.
First, we went around the table one by one providing details on who we were, and what accomplishments we have gained. I felt very under qualified - with four years of retail experience - compared to the competition.
Second, the manager asked us normal interview questions. "How can your past experience help you in this position?" "What skills and talents can you bring to the table?" "What aspect of this position are you most interested in?" etc.
Finally, the manager asked us to split up into groups and come up with an answer to "What does the Apple brand represent to it's customers?" My group followed up with how everyone sees the Apple brand as one of the best providers for customer service. The other group focused on the product and how it improves daily activities.
The interview ended with the manager letting us know those that qualify will be called before the weekend. I was not called, but emailed for why I was not a selected candidate.
Interview questions [1]
Question 1
The most unexpected question was "If you can describe yourself in one word, what would that be?"
This may be simple, but I have very rarely thought about this question in a serious matter. This needs to identify the kind of employee you are. One word to provide your work ethic; how you treat customers and co-workers; and how productive you are to others.
Also since it was a group interview, if you had thought of a word and the person before you uses it, you have to copy them or rethink what you were about to say.