Talking about tech giants, Apple is among the leaders who have kept their dedication to development and innovation. It boasts a great reputation and a fairly high Glassdoor rating of 4.1. Many young professionals strive to get an interview with the company, as it would be a great start for their career. However, as all the things worth, the task is challenging, though exciting. Read more to learn what it takes to get a job at Apple and how to improve your chances.
The net worth of the company as of March, 14 is $3.21 trillion. Apple is thriving and seems to be sustainable and resilient amidst the latest world’s turbulence. Their products have a loyal fan base and few other companies can boast the same anticipation every new Apple model sees coming into the market. Their skilled and diverse team is a great factor in it, as the company is known as a strict hirer but generous employer. Not only salaries are decent but employees get incentives that reward not only their performance but celebrate their social contribution as well.
For example, alongside discounts for company products and stock grants, the company matches their employees’ donations to social initiatives and encourages volunteering. There is something to pursue besides decent salaries and a line in your CV to be proud of.
So, what do you need to do, to land a job at Apple?
Apple’s Hiring Goals and How to Meet Them
Reportedly, the company uses the 3E’s rule when looking for candidates, end that being, according to some sources:
- Expertise
- Experience
- Enthusiasm
The first and second points are valid for any company, but while many claim that enthusiasm is wanted as well, Apple seems to be really serious about it. ‘Passion’ is a word you hear a lot in a company’s vision and presentation, as they strive to engage professionals whose dedication and deep interest in what they do is obvious. Passion has led the company to the point they are now and it has been fueling Apple’s performance from the start.
As a candidate, is it important for you to share the company’s values, and it would help if your CV reflects it. Include social projects you participate in, and make sure your dedication to contribute to society is apparent. But that’s non the only thing that can help.
How to Prepare for Getting Your Dream Job
For such a demanding hirer, some homework should certainly be done beforehand. Check up the list of what might be helpful if you want to be hired by the company.
- Research Apple’s values
Surely, you already know a lot about the company, but refreshing your knowledge is always a wise thing to do. Apple places a high value on innovation, creativity, and diversity. They want candidates who think differently, are passionate about their work, and have a strong intention of making a meaningful impact.
Think about how you can prove your innovative thinking and creative problem-solving as those are skills every company wants to see in employees not to mention the exact tech giant you’re going to apply for.
Apple is also known for its attention to detail and comprehensive approach to design and user experience. Highlight your striving for perfection and thoroughness, and mention how you went above and beyond to create something exceptional and precise.
- Tailor your resume and cover letter
For such a rigorous employer, just a generic resume won’t even make it to be considered. Ensure it stands out by being concise, clear, properly laid out, and aligned with the job description. Focus on your achievements, not just your credentials and academics. Apple is looking for those able to achieve real results not just theoretical knowledge about how to do so. Be sure to showcase any technical or creative skills you possess that relate directly to the role.
The cover letter is no less important. Don’t just repeat your resume while composing it. Tell a compelling story about why you want to work at Apple and how your personal values align with theirs. Share how you can contribute to their stated mission of making the world better by focusing on innovation and progress. Your clear understanding of how exactly their products contribute to the matter is a great point to mention. Apple is also deeply committed to diversity, so be sure to highlight how your unique background, skills, and perspective will contribute to their goals.
- Learn more about Apple products
Apple is a product-driven company, and they sure value candidates who can enthusiastically talk about them for hours. Prepare to show that you are well familiar with, understand and are passionate about the company’s products, and discuss how you’ve used them in your life or work. This shows that you’re not just interested in the job but also in the company’s mission and vision.
Make sure you’re up-to-date on Apple’s latest products, services, and innovations. They appreciate candidates who are genuinely interested in their work and products. Maybe you even have some fresh outlook based on your user experience, it won’t hurt to mention as well.
- Build your personal brand and network
In the current oversaturated job market, especially in the tech field, it’s getting harder to stand out among equally skilled competitors. Building connections in the tech industry can be a huge help. Attend Apple events, join professional groups related to the tech industry, or engage with Apple employees on platforms like LinkedIn. Having connections can give you valuable insights into the company and even help you stand out in the hiring process.
Another important thing to do is to check your overall presence on the internet, especially if your other accounts are connected to the email you use to apply. Reputation matters, make sure your online persona won’t stand in the way, as the epic story of lost NASA internship proves even overexcitement is no excuse.
After tweaking your application and a thorough info boost on the company’s values, mission, and products, it’s time to prepare yourself for an interview.
How to Get Ready for an Apple Interview
Apple’s interview process is notoriously tough. They ask a mix of behavioral, technical, and sometimes creative questions. They may be sorted into three groups:
- Behavioral questions
Expect questions like “Tell me about a time when you had to overcome a challenge” or “How do you prioritize tasks when under pressure?” They want to understand how you approach problems, understand priorities, work with others, and manage your own working process.
Emotional intelligence and soft skills assessment also fall into this group. You may be asked to state your attitude to criticism and how you handle failures or cooperate with difficult coworkers. Soft skills are extremely important nowadays when a considerable part of the working process is automated. Show you’re good with humans, not just the tech.
- Technical questions
Those are designed for you to prove your competence. Be prepared to demonstrate your knowledge with specific examples. They might ask you to solve problems on the spot. Be creative while answering this block of questions, as the ability to find the way around when you lack knowledge in a particular segment shows your potential for the type of approach the company wants to see in employees.
- Cultural fit
Apple cares about the “fit” of the person with their company culture. Be prepared to explain why you believe you would thrive at Apple and how you can contribute to the company’s culture and mission.
The questions Apple interviewers ask are not very different from other companies, however, your answers should be. Genuine excitement about the company and its products as well as understanding and respect for their vision and culture will help you get noticed.
Conclusion
Getting a job at Apple can be competitive and time-consuming but it is worth trying anyway considering the huge boost your career will get if you land the job. Buckle up and be prepared for a lengthy hiring process. But don’t get discouraged. The above-mentioned tips to increase your chances for success might help you become better prepared. Improve what you can in terms of hard skills and work on your soft ones. If you’re persistent and continuously update your knowledge, you can achieve the goal of working at one of the best and most progressive companies in the field.
Think of Apple as more than just a tech company. They are at the forefront of shaping the future of human-computer interaction with their immaculate design, creating impressive products that boast a dedicated fanbase and loyal customers. By joining Apple, you would become part of a team that’s constantly pushing boundaries, exploring new ideas, and aiming to make the world better through technology. If you believe in innovation, solving real-world problems, and you can bring your unique talents to the table, then Apple is a company where you can make a lasting impact and build a great career.
