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? 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