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.