What its like to work for Apple

What it’s like to work for Apple by Amber Rolfe Want to take a bite out of Apple? ‘Slide and unlock’ is only the beginning…Apple have revolutionised the tech industry â€" and the thousands of people who work for them around the world are a big part of their success. Without them, there’d be nowhere (and no one) to design, build, and sell their iPhones, iPads, iTunes, iCloud (the list goes on, but you get the picture).But how can you become a part of improving people’s technological lives?To make sure you’re clear of the facts, and to give you an insight into the life of an Apple employee â€" here’s what it’s really like to work for Apple:  The interview processThe interview process for Apple varies from role to role â€" and will depend on whether you’re applying for a position in-store or at an office.Those interviewing for in-store roles will usually have to attend 2-4 interviews. These could include everything from group seminars combined with typical interview questions, to phone intervi ews, one-on-ones, roleplays, and a final interview with a head manager.Although office interviews will probably include some elements of the above, they’ll also involve more interview questions that are specific to your field of work.Here are a few questions you may need to prepare for:‘What brings you here today?’ (Software Engineer)‘Why should we hire you?’ (Senior Software Engineer)‘Tell me something that you have done in your life which you are particularly proud of’ (Software Engineering Manager)‘When you walk in the Apple Store as a customer, what do you notice about the store/how do you feel when you first walk in?’ (Specialist)‘Whats more important, fixing the customers problem or creating a good customer experience?’ (Apple At Home Advisor)But no matter what position you’re interviewing for â€" always show passion and a love for the brand.  The workplace Apple have over 450 stores in 20 different countries, along with a number of corporate offices ba sed all over the world. They also employ Advisors who work from home.The brand’s tech-focused personality is shown throughout all of their locations, with every retail store incorporating a combination of bright, open, and minimalist themes â€" which is also evident in their offices.With pixelated label icons, ‘slide to unlock’ door signs, and an iPhone panel in the town hall to allow touchscreen control over lights and presentation slides â€" Cupertino HQ is a great example of how Apple incorporate their products into their workplaces. The London office even has iPad controlled coffee makers.In addition to the brand-focused touches, there’s also a fitness centre, a basketball court, and a rec room with table tennis and foosball. And if you feel like cooling down at work, don’t worry â€" their ice cream bar’s got your back.And there are more developments to come. Apple Campus 2 (AKA the spaceship office) is nearing completion, and is set to replace Cupertino’s current HQ.London-based employees are about to benefit from an upgrade too â€" to Battersea Power Station. The 500,000 square-foot building will be one of the biggest office locations in the city, and is set to open in 2021.  The rolesRoles at Apple are as varied as their workplaces.With a range of opportunities based all over the world, and many offered on both full and part-time basis â€" there’s something out there to suit everyone.Here are just a few of the sectors Apple are recruiting in:CorporateHardware software engineeringMarketingDesignFinance legalHR adminMerchandisingSalesIn-store SalesCustomer supportLeadershipApple also offer At Home opportunities, where you can become an Advisor, Team Manager, or Area Manager.  The employee benefits There are a range of benefits on offer for Apple employees â€" with many citing the great employee discount, free gym membership, and generous health/dental insurance package as just a few of the best things about working for the tech-giant.Bu t discounted iPhones and free exercise aren’t the only things on offer.Other perks could include free shuttle services, a subsidised travel system to help employees cover the cost of commuting by other means, and a variety of training and support.In fact, one current employee states that ‘in retail especially, there is a great on-board training process â€" they don’t release you till you’re ready’. Another explains that ‘no question is a silly or stupid question, it’s all about learning.’The food served at Caffé Mac in Apple’s HQ isn’t free like it is at few of its well-known Silicon Valley based neighbours â€" but don’t let that put you off. In addition to discounting everything but the cost of ingredients, Apple also allow employees to pay with their badge and get a payroll reduction.A number of internal reviewers also describe its varied menus as ‘delicious’ and the ‘best on-site food service you could ever imagine’.The apples are also free (go figu re).  The company culture When it comes to company culture, Apple must be doing it right.Almost all reviews state that the ‘very friendly culture’ and ‘amazing sense of belonging’ as one of the best parts of working there. Another says, ‘wherever you go you will gain a family’.And because Steve Jobs set the foundation for only hiring A-level people, all employees function at the top of their game. An anonymous Quora user also explains that Apple has a much more mature demographic than other tech companies â€" there’s no Nerf guns here.But there’s more to life at Apple than just work. For example, a ‘beer bash’ is held at the Cupertino HQ every few weeks â€" where there’s music, appetisers, and free (you guessed it) beer. They even got One Republic to perform on the Mac’s 30th anniversary.On the retail side of things, employees praise the non-performance-based work style (allowing them to focus on what’s right for the customer).So, want an exciting new oppor tunity with one of the world’s biggest businesses? It doesn’t take a Genius to work it out where to find it…  Still searching for your perfect position? View all available jobs nowFind a job What Where Search JobsSign up for more Career AdviceSign up for moreCareer Advice Please enter a valid email addressmessage hereBy clicking Submit you agree to the terms and conditions applicable to our service and acknowledge that your personal data will be used in accordance with our privacy policy and you will receive emails and communications about jobs and career related topics. Employee benefits Features Life At Work Where can I work? Work-life balance Workplace culture

Discover the Secret to Effective Resume Writing

Discover the Secret to Effective Resume WritingAs you read the article below, you will discover the secret to effective resume writing. In this article you will discover how to write a resume and how to make it effective. This secret is something that every employer wants.In order to write an effective resume, it is vital that you begin the process early enough in the application process. Many students who submit an application late or miss an important deadline risk failing the requirement for a student credit and doing so will make your resume ineffective.To make your resume as effective, it is essential that you research, and research some more before you start to write your resume. Not only will this allow you to find the best qualified candidate, but it will also increase your chances of hiring the right person for the job.For example, if you are applying for a position as a contract laboratoryorer, it is vital that you know the requirements of the position before you start to w rite your resume. You need to know the size of the work crew and the amount of work that the applicant needs to complete per week.If you were applying for a position as a medical assistant, it is essential that you know the skill requirements of the position and the number of hours needed for each skill. Not only does this make your resume more effective, but it also will allow you to be more specific with the job posting and get more job offers.By studying these two major areas of the job search, you can cut down the time you spend looking for potential jobs by half. It also gives you the perfect material for a successful resume.Additionally, when you are preparing your resume, it is vital that you use one or two key phrases and place them in a key section of the resume. These key phrases should be developed over time by studying, and should not be something that you just throw together.Remember, when writing your resume, this is the secret that can lead you to a new job and increa se your chances of landing the job. So you want to be sure that you learn how to write a resume for job success.

Writing a personal statement for a Masters course University of Manchester Careers Blog

Writing a personal statement for a Masters course University of Manchester Careers Blog Unless you are applying for Teaching or Medicine through UCAS this will be a completely different process for you. There are some universities which use the UKPASS system but most require a direct application to the postgraduate admissions contact for the course you are applying to. (You will find this on the university website when you search for the course details.) What does the application look like? For some its an application form, where you will fill in details on your education experience and then have to write a personal statement explaining why you should be considered for this course. Some will ask specific questions about your reasons for applying. Some will require a CV too. Personal statements what can go wrong? Poor structure disorganised ideas. Lack of research. Typically your structure would include the following unless you are given instructions to the contrary.  The order you present the information in is largely dictated by the story you want to tell, but this is a reasonably logical progression. 1    Why this university? Be specific â€" don’t make generic statements such as “Because you are an internationally renowned university with an excellent academic reputation”. If the university itself made a difference in your choice what was this? Have you studied there before and enjoy the environment? Is its location and the opportunity to gain work experience locally a factor? Has it got a strong reputation in this particular field of research? Are there specific academic staff you want to do research or study with? Perhaps it offers something else unique? 2    Why this subject? Your motivation When did you become interested in this subject and what have you learned about it? What is it about the structure of the course, the choice of modules, the learning methods that appeals to you? Did you attend an open day or talk to lecturers? Demonstrate subject knowledge, through relevant prior learning, projects, dissertations, case studies etc. It could also come through relevant work experience in this field. 3    Academic ability Academic achievement have you got what it takes to do this course? Grades in key relevant subjects. Academic prizes Does it match your learning style can you demonstrate this? Will you have to do group projects can you demonstrate teamwork or leadership? Can you demonstrate the dedication and resilience required to complete the course? Ability to use initiative, problem solve, manage workload, work to deadlines, work under pressure. Other academic skills relevant to the course, computing skills, knowledge of relevant scientific techniques, analytical or research skills etc. 4    Personal skills experience You can talk about work experience, volunteering and extracurricular activities in more depth here, but make sure you are evidencing key knowledge or skills needed for this course and your future career options. 5    Your future? What are your career aims? How will this course help you achieve them? Knowledge, skills, accreditation with professional bodies etc. How long should it be? Some Universities will give you a word length. Do not exceed it! If there is no guidance I would say write no more than 2 pages of A4. 1 page may be a little brief but it depends what you have to say and how you say it.  Think of the poor admissions officer who has to read hundreds of these. Keep it concise and to the point. Style of writing To some extent this is a reflection of who you are but in most cases this is a persuasive argument backed up with evidence.  Flowery or emotive language is rarely used in the UK. If you are applying to a course like journalism your written style may be judged as part of your application. Make sure it is grammatically correct and spell checked. International applications Expectations may differ country to country so do your research, contact the admissions officer to ask if there is any advice, what are they looking for?    Do you write in English or the language of that country? If you need help with your application book an applications advice appointment All Graduate International Undergraduate Undergraduate-highlighted applications Applications and interviews further study personal statements postgraduate study

How to Keyword Optimize Your Resume

How to Keyword Optimize Your Resume Using a word cloud can quickly identify common keywords  Youve likely heard that  keywords are a critical component of a good  resume, but if you don’t have a good understanding of what exactly keywords are it can make it difficult to locate, and use, them correctly. First off, what exactly are keywords? Keywords are informative and descriptive words that reference specific job requirements.  The job you are targeting determines the types of keywords you need to use in your resume because these words help the employer determine if you have the skills or abilities to appropriately succeed in their role. For example if you are applying for a role in accounting you may include common accounting keywords like: research analysis, financial reporting, or tax planning.   However, for a job in marketing you would draw from an entirely different set of industry-appropriate keywords, which may include: business analysis, brand management, or promotional campaigns. Why do you need keywords in your resume? Ultimately, using the right keywords increases the chances of your resume being read â€" either electronically or by an actual person. Today a large portion of resumes are read by computers or Applicant Tracking Systems (also known as ATS).   If you are asked to submit your resume online there is a high chance that your resume is going through an Applicant Tracking System and being scanned for a particular set of keywords. Although you will likely never know what specific set of words or phrases the system has been programmed to search for, you can help increase your resume’s success by ensuring you include keywords that directly relate to  the job. How do you locate the right keywords? The best way to locate keywords is within job posting themselves. Job posting detail unique job requirements so analyze each posting carefully searching for descriptive words.  Highlight any informative words or unique role requirements and then work these keywords into your resume content. If you are still struggling with clearly determining what words stick out in a job posting try copying and pasting a job description into a word cloud.  The word cloud will present a visualization of words that are most frequently used in the posting.   Two free word cloud sites that recommend are Wordle.net and Worditout.com. Two other resources that can help you identify keywords is an autocoder site like ONET (O*Net)   a US based resource, or the National Occupation Classification Index which is a site that classifies and describes the occupations in the Canadian economy.  Keywords can be located within the role descriptions found on either of these sites. Where in the resume should keywords be placed? The short answer is ‘anywhere and everywhere’.  You can add keywords throughout your resume, but some excellent places to showcase them are within your resumes: Profile Title. For example, if you are targeting the role of “Marketing Manager” or “Administrative Professional” you might kick off the resume with these exact position titles, guaranteeing these words a presence in your resume. Core Competencies or Skills section Qualifications and  Achievements section Work History section Education section Technical Skills section Ultimately keywords can be used anywhere in your resume when used appropriately….and the keyword here is appropriately (see what I did there!). You want to keep in mind that some words are overused and should be applied with care. There are lots of studies out there showing that employers are inundated with very similar words that start to lose their impact when they are not applied properly (some commonly overused words or buzzwords are: creative, innovative, effective).However, not all buzzwords are bad .   They can be a necessary evil for ATS or resume selection.   Not having certain words in your resume could work against you. The best approach with  keywords, industry terms, or buzzwords is  to  supply proof of ability instead of just packing random words into your resume. You don’t want to include anything in your resume that does not accurately reflect your skills or experience.   When it comes time to keyword optimize your resume, remember that  keywords work BEST when they are supported with examples of application and impact!  Learn more on how to write an ATS-compliant resume in my latest post here.

Resume Writing Tips and Suggestions

Resume Writing Tips and SuggestionsIf you are serious about being a candidate, your resume writing should be at par with your skills. There are plenty of ways to improve your resume writing skills, but they are all about understanding the goals of the person who is reviewing your resume. The following article will go over some easy tips for improving your resume writing in the shortest amount of time.Your resume writing should have an audience. You should target a specific group and send your resume to each audience with the same format. If you are writing a resume for an agent or a financial consultant, you should only send it to those two groups so that it will be much easier for them to understand what you need.When you are looking at a resume you should look at the order of the information and make sure that it is arranged in the right way. Make sure that there is a chronological order to your resume and that the sections fit together logically. If you are sending your resume to the customer service department of a financial firm, you want it to go straight to the top, then through your personal profile.The wording on your resume is what helps it to get read. Do not use too many exclamation points or too many words. The best way to improve your resume writing is to stick to the points of your expertise. When writing your personal statement write about one thing and only one thing.There are many types of resumes that will ask for personal experience from you. Many of these questions will be standard questions asked by recruiters. Make sure that you answer these questions directly so that the reader can see that you have a job and you have been doing it. If you are applying for a position in the manufacturing company, make sure that you offer your job experience and make it a point to point out the fact that you are willing to work in another manufacturing position.When reviewing your resume to ensure that it does not contain any spelling errors. The resume s hould also be eye catching and be an eye catcher for the reader. Try to write an outline that is going to outline some of the more difficult sections and make sure that you provide examples for every single section so that the recruiter will know exactly what they are dealing with.One of the things that is highly recommended for good resumes is that you have all of your credentials. This is to make sure that the recruiter knows where you worked before. Many people give the wrong impression about their experience because they do not know how much experience they have.If you are serious about your resume writing you will notice that you will not receive the same results if you try to rewrite your resume. It is important that you remember that this is just an outline. A professional resume writer is going to spend time trying to re-write your resume for you and they will not leave anything out.

Interview series - Career Experts - Jane Jackson CareerMetis.com

Interview series - Career Experts - Jane Jackson In this interview series, we caught up withJane Jacksonwho shares her expertise and insights about job search, career change, etc. in today’s marketplace.Tell us a little bit about your companyevalI’m a career management coach and specialize in career development and career transition coaching.I help professionals to create their dream career.How did you get started in this path?I started career coaching 19 years ago in Singapore after a career in corporate training, and in a number of industries including airlines, health fitness, FMCG and public relations.evalThe moment I started coaching, it felt like home â€" it was what I was born to do â€" to help professionals discover who they are meant to be in their careers. It’s so rewarding to follow my true Career Anchor, which is Dedication to a Cause or Service.Is this something you decided early on in your career?Early on in my career I worked in public relations, agency-side, in Hong Kong before moving to London and continuing in PR client-side.When I started a family I transitioned into a role that enabled me to have the flexibility I needed and transitioned into health fitness which was my passion at the time.I then moved to Singapore and my fitness career grew and I was sponsored by Nike as a ‘Nike Elite’ athlete to promote Total Body Conditioning across Singapore after winning the Silver Medal in the National Aerobics Championship in the 1990’s.Training and teaching was in my blood and I was asked to facilitate numerous workshops for organisations which lead to me setting up a corporate training business in addition to my personal training and fitness business.This, in turn, resulted in my network encouraging me to try for a role as a career coach and 19 years later, this is what I live and breathe!What is the Best Career Advice You’ve ever received?The best career advice I’ve received is to be bold and acknowledge my abilities. To learn to talk about what I can do and how it is of value t o others.Not to be shy about discussing my achievements. Many of us are very humble and afraid to talk about what we can really do â€" embrace your talents and use them to help your community, because we are put on earth for a short time to MAKE A DIFFERENCE!evalWhat is the most exciting part of working in thisindustry?Being able to make a positive difference in someone’s life each and every day is what is most exciting to me as a career coach.To see that spark in my client’s eyes when they gain that ‘AHA!’ moment and they know what they must do to be the professional they have always dreamed of becoming.How do to stay abreast of the industry as an expert?I am a member of the Career Development Association of Australia and I also make it a point to gain a new relevant certification every single year. This way I stay on top of the latest technology and coaching methodologies.In addition to this, I maintain a strong network of career professionals and we tap into each other’ s expertise.What are some of the things that you see job seekers struggle with the most?The main thing that job seekers struggle with is that they lack clarity about what they really want and they don’t know that their transferable skills are.Without clarity they aren’t able to project their personal brand with authenticity. Without a strong personal brand they tend to miss out on their ideal job opportunities.What are the common mistakes that you see them do?There are 7 Common Mistakes that job seekers make: They lack confidence in their abilities and market too soon.They lack clarity about what they really want and give out mixed messages.They use a generic resume and marketing documents and miss the mark in applications as a result.They don’t have a consistent and powerful personal brand.They don’t understand the most effective job search strategies.They make one of the Four Fatal Flaws of interviewees.They don’t know what they are worth so are no able to negotiate a jo b offer effectively.How should job seekers approach job search today?The best way to approach the job search is to ensure they take time to assess what really makes them tick, create powerful marketing materials, know their ‘pitch’ and how to adapt it, ensure they have powerful tangible accomplishment statements to prove that they bring value to their targeted organisations and positions.What is the biggest trendWithin the Academy I continue to create many online career development and career transition programmes to make membership even more valuable.I also have started Group Career Coaching sessions and live Webinars every month for members and membership continues to grow.I also provide on-going career management workshops for my corporate clients and one-on-one coaching to my private clients on topics including career transition, confidence building, personal branding and transitioning into self-employment.What are the best resources you recommend to job seekers?Well, I can highly recommend my book, Navigating Career Crossroads. evalIt has reached #1 on Amazon and is a popular resource for career changers.Other good career books are:How to Find the Work You Love (Laurence G Boldt)What Colour is Your Parachute (Richard N. Bolles)What is the best way for our audience to reach you?My websiteConnect with or Follow Jane Jackson on Social Media:LinkedInTwitterFacebook PageYouTube PageJane Jackson has also been featured in our recent compilation of the most resourceful career experts and career blogs â€" Top Career Advice Websites.

What Youll Need To Start Your Next Job - CareerAlley

What Youll Need To Start Your Next Job - CareerAlley We may receive compensation when you click on links to products from our partners.1 Job hunting is always tough; in many ways, it is like a full-time job in itself. But when you actually land a job, it can often mean that there is even more to do before you start. Sometimes getting prepared for that new role can be as much work as finding it in the first place. Maybe the headspace your summer vacation has created has caused you to re-evaluate your job. Or maybe you realize its time for a change because youve had a less-than-inspiring mid-year performance review. Whatever the reason, despite all the well-meaning career advice out there, it can be hard to know exactly where to start if its been a while since you have searched for a job. Forbes.com If you are in this position at the moment, then you might be wondering whether or not you have everything in place in order to really get started. In this article, we are going to have a look at that very subject. Without further ado, lets take a look at what you will really need to start your next job. source Permits Other Paperwork Depending on your situation, and where you are to be located, you may or may not need permits or other paperwork in order to be able to get to work. If you think you might, then it might be that you can go for temporary work permits at least in the meantime. Either way, you will have to make sure that you have everything in place on this front before your first day. It might not always be the employers duty to ensure that you have these, so you should be sure to check and double-check yourself regardless. As well as the permit, you might need a visa if traveling from abroad, and there could be other paperwork specific to the company such as a contract which you need to have signed and returned. Photo by Jesper Aggergaard on Unsplash Medical Check In many cases, an employer will want to make sure that you are medically fit to actually work with them. This could be a check-up from a doctor which is then signed off, or it might even be a case of having to take a full medical test with the employer before you go in on the first day. Either way, there might not be much you can do about this, but it is still likely to be an important and often unavoidable part of the process. You should endeavor to take care of yourself beforehand which you are job hunting, as this will ensure that you are more likely to pass the medical, and so improve your chances of getting in when you want to. Source Interviews Many people think they can wing it at an interview without any preparation, but very few people can pull this off. There are thousands of articles on this topic, but the basic points are generally the same. There are several types of interviews: initial interviews with recruiters, telephone interviews and in-person interviews, and final round interviews.

CareerBuilders 2010 Jobs Forecast wrap up -

CareerBuilders 2010 Jobs Forecast wrap up - CareerBuilder released its 2010 Jobs Forecast, and Anthony Balderrama touched on the highlights in a recent CareerBuzz: If youre wondering where the jobs are, look to the West, where 24 percent of employers intend to add full-time workers. Employers in the Northeast anticipate the next highest amount of hiring, followed by the South and Midwest. The industries where you can expect to see the largest hiring increases are information technology, manufacturing, financial services, professional and business services and sales. Other notable results from the survey? Some good news for job seekers: 20% of employers plan to increase their number of full-time, permanent employees this year, up from 14% in 2009. On the flip side, 9% plan to decrease headcount, down from 16% in 2009. Most (61%) dont anticipate hiring or firing workers. The survey asks hiring managers and human resource professionals to comment on a variety of topics of interest to job seekers and employers. Some highlights from the survey include companies plans to: Replace lower-performing employees. Although most employers surveyed would grade their workforces a B or above (85%). Emphasize social media to strengthen their brand. 37% will focus more on social media and 8% plan to hire someone to do the job. Rehire laid-off workers. 32% plan to bring back workers, some in the first six months of the year. Continue to provide flexible work arrangements. 35% (up from 31% last year) will offer alternate schedules, telecommunting, compressed work weeks, summer hours, job sharing and/or sabbaticals. Cut perks and benefits. 37% (up from 32% last year) plan to cut employee incentives. Bonuses are the biggest cut (15%), followed by medical coverage (10%), suspended 401k matching, condiments, incentive trips, academic reimbursement, vacation time and wellness benefits. Other items from the survey: Mature workers get the nod from 27% of surveyed companies who say they are open to retaining their workers who are approaching retirement. 1% say they may rehire retirees from other companies this year. 10% may offer incentives to keep workers approaching retirement age with their company. This works well for those approaching retirement age, as 37% of employers surveyed reported that they have employees requesting to stay on, up from 22% last year. Freelance or contract workers will still be on the books this year for 30% of surveyed employers, up from 28% last year. The environment is a greater focus for 11% of employers who plan to add green jobs, which is on par with last years figures. Bilingual employees are in luck. 40% of employers plan to build a bilingual workforce, although the survey does not specify what languages are in demand. Read highlights HERE or download the full report HERE. No matter what your job target, you can benefit from personalized advice! Dont forget that clear, concise, optimized job search materials AND a strong, well executed plan are key for job search success! I can help with every part of your job hunt! Need a great resume? Tips to use social networking? Interview coaching?   If you need help mobilizing your networks and your job search plans,  learn more about how I can help you! While youre at it, dont forget those social networks! Be sure to become a  fan of Keppie Careers on FacebookId be thrilled to have you as part of the community! Since were on the subject of doing something newAre you on Twitter? Jump on and touch base with me  @keppie_careers. photo by segozyme