Careers at Apple - how to get corporate and retail jobs at Apple
How to get a job in Apple Retail
The Apple Store can be one of the best places in Retail to work. No sales targets and a fun, relaxed work environment means that you can spend all your time concentrating on the customers needs without having to push expensive products on them.
Apple doesn't take just anyone though; you need to be able to stand out from a crowd -- especially since Apple goes through a lot of applicants to find the right person for the job. Apple tends to look for people that can deliver a great customer experience and really connect with people on a personal level. Qualification wise, Apple seems to welcome anyone and everyone as long as you prove that you have that seemingly indescribable Apple quality that's sought after.
You can read more about the interview process specifics and advice on how to get a job here.
Getting into Corporate Apple
Corporate Apple is where all the business related action happens. For those of you that have the right experience in anything from Design to Human Resources to Sales, there's a career at Apple available. What happens if you don't Thousands of university students graduate every year with the knowledge to perform in corporate business but often don't have the necessary experience to get the dream job. What's the alternative
Internships. Internships can be a great way to get into the corporate world at Apple without having the experience. Internships can be a unique opportunity, allowing you to get the experience that you need while being able to network with people and make connections.
For current students, there are Internships available that can be taken as a placement year so that once you graduate, you have the crucial experience that sets you apart from the competition. Don't worry graduates, there's still hope for you yet -- there are various internships that are only available to graduates (namely ones with a 2:1 or higher).
R&D in the UK
If you're looking to get into the R&D side of Apple (and who wouldn't want to, right) and based in the UK, you might be out of luck. Apple does recruit Hardware and Software engineers to work on the latest Apple products but it seems they're based mainly in the US and China, with a few others dotted around the world. Not all is lost though -- there have been reports that Apple has recently purchased a building in Cambridge for office and R&D purposes! Apple is staying tight lipped on the matter, as they usually do until they're ready to announce it.
There are so many options - which career should I take
When it comes to Apple Corporate, there are many paths you can take. Deciding on what best suits you is important:
Hardware Engineering
Hardware engineers work on all Apple products -- from the Mac to the iPod and everything in between. Engineers create the product line up that millions of people around the world love and that's not an easy job. You need to be innovative, creative, talented and have the drive to do well in hardware engineering. Well, that and knowledge of industrial engineering, silicon engineering, wireless engineering or specialised engineering.
Software Engineering
Software engineers are the brains behind the beauty that is OS X/iOS. Without software engineers, we wouldn't have the revolutionary operating systems that we have today complete with apps like FaceTime, Safari and iTunes that we've come to love. To thrive in software engineering, you have to be a self-motivated team player, smart and ambitious. It's a quickly evolving area to work in and you have to have expertise in protocol stack development, wireless systems architecture, location technologies, telephony software engineering and mobile applications & frameworks engineering.
Marketing
Without a meticulously planned out marketing plan, Apple wouldn't be the company that it is today -- iPhones and iPads don't just appear y'know. The Apple marketing department has been described as having a "passion for innovation" and an "uncompromising commitment". Do you have what it takes to join the team They look for people that go the extra mile and think both creatively and strategically. Got that You can join the team that controls everything from product marketing to developer relations and public relations to marketing communications.
Design
Design is arguably one of the most important areas at Apple. Without the outstanding designs of everything from the iPod to the Apple Watch, Apple wouldn't be Apple. It doesn't stop there though -- designers also create the intuitive user interfaces that we all love. The design team is said to be one of the smartest, most dedicated teams of people on Earth! If you've got the skills to design hardware, packaging, communications or user interfaces then you might be able to join the elite.
Merchandising
Merchandising is another essential part of the success of Apple, namely its online and retail stores. The ingenuity of the team has lead to a fantastic place for customers to shop both physically and electronically. Apple is looking for people that are passionate about tech, creative and skilled in merchandising -- namely assortment selection, placement, pricing, promotion and visual standards. You also need experience as product or carrier merchants, retail demo managers or signs and visual field managers. Got that Well, looks like merchandising might be for you!
Product Management
Product Managers are a critical part of Apple's global sales strategy, namely its online presence. They're in charge of providing sites and apps with cutting edge features and functionality by coordinating with teams of engineers, project managers, merchandisers and designers. Project Managers make sure that teams are building an online experience that Apple is happy to put its name on -- it's no easy feat! To get a job in product management, you need to have a strong track record in online commerce and the ability to deliver great user experiences.
Customer Service and Support
Apple's award winning Customer Service and Support is what Apple is arguably most famous for. Apple offers services that other companies can't and does so in a way that makes it stand out from the crowd. Apple have a global service network that includes repair centres, corporate retail support and dedicated call centres for AppleCare customers, just to name a few. Key functions in this career include hardware and software troubleshooting, planning, procurement, training and customer care. If you've got the technical ability and the customer service skills to match, you'll do well in Customer Service and Support!
Finance
Well someone needs to look after Apple's $74.6 billion in quarterly revenue, don't they The Finance department manages all Apple's financial activities and is an important partner in all sides of business, from engineering to marketing. There are positions available in corporate accounting and financial planning and analysis as well as roles that support R&D, sales and retail. Are you described as having integrity, personal accountability, excellence and a proactive thought process Well then you're exactly what Apple is looking for!
Human Resources
Have you got an eye for talent HR might be the career for you. HR is responsible for hiring the talented people at Apple. They also help employees, assisting them in developing their skills and support them throughout their careers. From benefits to employee relations, HR covers it all to create a happy work environment that allows people to develop the products and experiences that we all love. You need great people skills and experience in HR management, talent acquisition, training and development and salary to be a great candidate!
Information Systems & Technology
The IS&T team at Apple manages key business and technical infrastructure at Apple. They manage everything from online ordering to in store technology and processing sales; there are no arguments that the IS&T Team are an important part of Apple. To survive in the IS&T Team, you have to be a born problem solver that enjoys collaborating on the next big thing! To join the team, you need a wide knowledge in the fields of software development, network architecture and engineering, information security and systems engineering.
Legal
The Legal department helps Apple abide by the law around the world, confirming that every transaction is properly structured and all agreements are clear and effective. As a part of the team, you'll find yourself working in a variety of disciplines from Internet services and marketing communications to worldwide government affairs. Candidates must be extremely detail orientated and exhibit exceptional verbal and written communication skills.
Operations
The Operations team makes sure that Apple's products become industry leading, delivered on time and on spec. They support the development, manufacturing, procurement and fulfillment of all things Apple so that stock can be quickly and effectively replenished at the Apple Retail Stores. Hopeful applicants have to have analytical and negotiation skills, strategic and tactical thinking and the ability to adapt to fast moving situations.
Real Estate & Development
The Real Estate & Development team is responsible for securing the best locations for the company, worldwide. Once secure, they source the high quality materials that transform these ordinary spaces into Apple Retail Stores or corporate offices. Combined with the Facilities team that keeps the locations running with everything from shipping to food service, they provide the environment that Apple conducts all its business from! You'll need experience in real estate and development to get through the door so keep that in mind.
Sales
Sales teams operate from corporate, retail or field locations to sell Apple products to a wide range of people from students to businesses. You need a combination of skills to consistently close deals to do well in Sales! Apple is looking for field, channel and enterprise sales leaders as well as strategy experts for their retail business solutions team.
Administrative
Admin might not be the most glamorous of jobs but it keeps Apple's huge workforce focused and organised. Apple describes its administrative career as one that's rewarding and challenging in an extremely fast paced environment, which explains why they want experienced candidates only. If you have experience as a receptionist, an executive or administrative assistant or a recruiting and project coordinator then you're what Apple is looking for.
The future of Apple
Apple is still growing - they're currently in the process of building its new campus in the US, and it's a big one measuring in at 2.8 million square foot (176 acres). Nicknamed the 'Spaceship', the new campus is more than a mile around and aims to house over 13,000 employees. The building was due for completion by mid 2015 but due to set backs, it should be ready to use in 2016! You can find out more facts about Apple's new spaceship HQ here.