[Nodnarb]

Hey guys,

I've got an interview coming up next week for a specialist position at the local Apple Store. I know you should usually dress up for interviews, but I don't want to be the one guy in a suit at the apple store. I was thinking of just like jeans and a nice collared shirt? Seeing as the interviewer will probably in jeans in a t shirt, I figure that should be OK.

What do you think?

[turtle777]

Yes, definitely, don't wear a suit. Geez, have you ever seen anyone wearing a suit working in an Apple Store ?

Actually, jeans and a good T-Shirt should do.

-t

[Nodnarb]

I was being sarcastic about the suit!!

I think I may dress it up a bit more than just a t-shirt, just a regular polo and jeans probably.

Nervous/excited as hell!

[RAILhead]

I can loan you my Don King wig if you'd like. Just let me know!

[harbinger75]

I wouldn't go so far as to wear jeans (even though it's what I wear the other half of the year aside from shorts) to an interview. I'd at least do some khaki dress pants of some sort (even cargo khakis are better than jeans) and a three-button polo type shirt or something like that.

I think that unless you're interviewing for a corporate gig, suits are a waste. However, looking "professionally casual" has always landed me jobs in the past over the guy who didn't appear so when I'd interview for my part-time/second jobs.

[OldManMac]

A suit worked for me, but I was overdressed. Casual slacks and shirt are fine.

[Andy8]

Dress the same way as the other specialists in the store are and you should be fine.

[TheoCryst]

Nice (non-ripped) jeans or khakis, and a polo should be more than adequate.

[OldManMac]

Originally Posted by Andy8 

Dress the same way as the other specialists in the store are and you should be fine.

Not a good idea. At the last group interview, someone was there with torn jeans, and it was noted by one of the interviewers. Even though the specialists do that, it's not a good way to make a first impression.

[Atheist]

Please bathe and brush up on your interpersonal communication skills. I'm constantly amazed at the lack of hygiene and social skills at the Apple Stores.

[analogue SPRINKLES]

Originally Posted by harbinger75 

I'd at least do some khaki dress pants of some sort (even cargo khakis are better than jeans) and a three-button polo type shirt or something like that.

I dunno man the first thing I think of when I see a guy wearing khakis at an interview

1) Those cost him $25 bucks at sears
2) He has no sense of originality or creativity

You can make your self look stylish with a GOOD pair of jeans and funky, clean and new sneakers perhaps that are black and somewhat more formal looking. I would avoid t-shirt though no matter how nice. Wear a stylish short sleeve button down shirt with a nice colour/strips.

[Doofy]

Originally Posted by analogue SPRINKLES 

stylish short sleeve button down shirt

Oxymoron.

[turtle777]

Originally Posted by Doofy 

Oxymoron.

Absolutely. Long sleeves, rolled up.

-t

[analogue SPRINKLES]

Originally Posted by turtle777 

Absolutely. Long sleeves, rolled up.

-t

what he said. Short sleeves and a tie is the big no no.

[turtle777]

Originally Posted by analogue SPRINKLES 

what he said. Short sleeves and a tie is the big no no.

Yes, agreed.

However, I'd consider button-down too formal for an Apple Store interview.

-t

[analogue SPRINKLES]

Originally Posted by turtle777 

Yes, agreed.

However, I'd consider button-down too formal for an Apple Store interview.

-t

No way as long as it is stylish and not tucked into the pants.

[Salty]

Try that

[turtle777]

^^^ Dad ?

-t

[torsoboy]

You guys are all nuts. It's an interview... look good! Don't try to impress them with how stylish you can be, impress them with your skills and your knowledge.

[tooki]

As someone who's been on both sides of Apple Store interviews:

- Wear stylish jeans and a nice t-shirt or a casual button-up.
- Be stylish. Sorry, torsoboy, but Apple is a totally style-oriented company, so it does matter.
- Bathe.*
- Don't wear a suit.* Really. Even a polo shirt is pushing it.
- The job is all about connecting with people. THAT is arguably more important than knowledge of product specs, because the latter can be trained.
- Don't be an asshole. Yes, I've seen this. No, you won't get hired.

And if you don't get hired, don't take it personally. In terms of acceptance rate, getting into Apple is harder than getting into an ivy-league university, and you may get passed by just because there's someone else they like better that day.

[tooki]

Of course, today you may be wanting to reconsider:

http://forums.macnn.com/89/macnn-lou...pple-store-va/

[tooki]

So, tell us, what happened? Any word?

[Nodnarb]

Thanks for the help/info tooki.

I had my first interview, and was asked back a couple of days later to interview with the assistant manger. The other day, I went back and interviewed with the store manager and shadowed some employees. So it seems like things are going well! I'll post back when I get some actual news.

[tooki]

Yeah, they wouldn't make that effort if they weren't interested. Great news!

For all the complaints I had about Apple, I still had a blast working there for a while. I hope you get it, you'll have fun.

[ApertureValue]

Originally Posted by analogue SPRINKLES 

I dunno man the first thing I think of when I see a guy wearing khakis at an interview

1) Those cost him $25 bucks at sears
2) He has no sense of originality or creativity

You can make your self look stylish with a GOOD pair of jeans and funky, clean and new sneakers perhaps that are black and somewhat more formal looking. I would avoid t-shirt though no matter how nice. Wear a stylish short sleeve button down shirt with a nice colour/strips.

Jesus, when did I lose track of reality? I'm only 33, but I've NEVER seen NOR worn jeans to any interview. Sneakers? WTF?

I must have been frozen in carbonite™ for a couple decades. Either that, or the jobs I've interviewed for had higher standards.

[torsoboy]

Originally Posted by ApertureValue 

Jesus, when did I lose track of reality? I'm only 33, but I've NEVER seen NOR worn jeans to any interview. Sneakers? WTF?

I must have been frozen in carbonite™ for a couple decades. Either that, or the jobs I've interviewed for had higher standards.

I'm with you on this. I am 31, and I have always interviewed in slacks and a button-up shirt, with dress shoes.

But, times are changing, no doubt about it. Even though I said to wear a suit in my post above, I guess I am contradicting myself... I interviewed a guy about 6 months ago to work as a web developer for our company, and I specifically told him to not where a suit. He came in jeans and a decent shirt, and it didn't impact the interview at all.

Now that I have thought about this a little bit, my new answer would be to wear what you would be dressed in at that particular job, or perhaps slightly better. If you are interviewing to be a loan officer, wear a suit. If you are interviewing to be a construction worker, wear clean jeans. etc. I don't think a suit would be bad for most interviews, but it probably isn't necessary.

[Wiskedjak]

Originally Posted by Andy8 

Dress the same way as the other specialists in the store are and you should be fine.

QFT. You should wear to an interview the style of dress that the people wear in the company you are interviewing at. Never over or under dress.

[ApertureValue]

Originally Posted by Wiskedjak 

QFT. You should wear to an interview the style of dress that the people wear in the company you are interviewing at. Never over or under dress.

Now that I think about this, it all makes perfect sense. I've been a firefighter and paramedic for the last 16 years, so any time I interviewed within that time, it was generally for a position in which everybody wears a uniform anyway. I don't suppose I could have worn their uniforms TO the interview, now could I? I always wore either a suit or slacks and a button-up shirt and tie for those.

The only time I've worn "dressier" clothing to interviews was when I'd apply for a part-time job (which we all had at least one of in addition to our main 24 hour on, 48 hour off schedule). In those instances, I probably could have gotten away with a less dressy look.

[Wiskedjak]

Originally Posted by ApertureValue 

Jesus, when did I lose track of reality? I'm only 33, but I've NEVER seen NOR worn jeans to any interview. Sneakers? WTF?

I must have been frozen in carbonite™ for a couple decades. Either that, or the jobs I've interviewed for had higher standards.

I work in software design. When I've interviewed at companies where the dress code is jeans and sneakers, I've worn jeans and sneakers to the interview ... and I landed the job, too.

[OldManMac]

Originally Posted by Wiskedjak 

QFT. You should wear to an interview the style of dress that the people wear in the company you are interviewing at. Never over or under dress.

Not necessarily. Apple specialists wear shorts, ripped jeans, flip flops, sandals, boots, and any manner of clothing that would not be acceptable in most job interviews. I've talked to managers there about hiring people, and they've turned away people who didn't even care to dress halfway decently, because first impressions do make a difference. As I said, I wore a suit, and I was overdressed, but I got hired because of my extensive sales experience.

[Wiskedjak]

Originally Posted by OldManMac 

Not necessarily. Apple specialists wear shorts, ripped jeans, flip flops, sandals, boots, and any manner of clothing that would not be acceptable in most job interviews. I've talked to managers there about hiring people, and they've turned away people who didn't even care to dress halfway decently, because first impressions do make a difference.

I'd argue that there's a difference between dressing "halfway decently" and wearing "shorts, ripped jeans, flip flops, sandals, boots, and any manner of clothing that would not be acceptable". If it's acceptable in the workplace, then it should be equally acceptable in the workplace. If they don't consider something "halfway decent" in the interview, then they're being hypocrites if they consider that same outfit to be acceptable enough to present to the customer.

[Nodnarb]

for the record, i wore a nice pair of jeans and a collard pull-over shirt, and all the interviews seemed to go well and I think if I'd overdressed, it would've made the interviews a bit awkward

[OldManMac]

Originally Posted by Wiskedjak 

I'd argue that there's a difference between dressing "halfway decently" and wearing "shorts, ripped jeans, flip flops, sandals, boots, and any manner of clothing that would not be acceptable". If it's acceptable in the workplace, then it should be equally acceptable in the workplace. If they don't consider something "halfway decent" in the interview, then they're being hypocrites if they consider that same outfit to be acceptable enough to present to the customer.

You have a point, but I've seen that scenario.

[tooki]

At Apple, I saw that most interviewees dressed the same way as the employees -- jeans, stylish t-shirt, sneakers or flip flops. The most important thing is to look "put together", as opposed to looking just... lazy. "Put together" can take many different styles. The one guy who ever came in a suit was so unfit for the job, and it showed a lack of understanding of the company.

(Torn jeans were officially a no-no at Apple, but nobody cared, including my store manager who often wore them.)

[Big Mac]

Congrats on your success with Apple, Nodnarb.

Hey tooki, how are sales tracked as far as it relates to job performance, and how much sales pressure is put on the average employee?

[ApertureValue]

Originally Posted by Big Mac 

Congrats on your success with Apple, Nodnarb.

Hey tooki, how are sales tracked as far as it relates to job performance, and how much sales pressure is put on the average employee?

Initially, I'd ask that same question. But, I'm certain that every orifice of an Apple store simply prints money once the store is open. I'm not even sure they need a sales staff there except to protect the merchandise.

[turtle777]

Originally Posted by ApertureValue 

Initially, I'd ask that same question. But, I'm certain that every orifice of an Apple store simply prints money once the store is open. I'm not even sure they need a sales staff there except to protect the merchandise.

Da truth.

-t

[ThinkInsane]

Originally Posted by ApertureValue 

Now that I think about this, it all makes perfect sense. I've been a firefighter and paramedic for the last 16 years, so any time I interviewed within that time, it was generally for a position in which everybody wears a uniform anyway. I don't suppose I could have worn their uniforms TO the interview, now could I? I always wore either a suit or slacks and a button-up shirt and tie for those.

The only time I've worn "dressier" clothing to interviews was when I'd apply for a part-time job (which we all had at least one of in addition to our main 24 hour on, 48 hour off schedule). In those instances, I probably could have gotten away with a less dressy look.

When I was going through the interview/hiring process with the Sheriff's Dept. we were told point blank: Do not show up here wearing anything other than a suit, even if you are just there to drop off paperwork.

I'm with you though, being in my 30's it seems completely verboten to show up for an interview wearing casual clothes. Times change I guess. Man it sucks getting old. Now I have to worry about these damn kids on my lawn.

[IceEnclosure]

Those of you saying you're getting old, "jeans??", etc.. it's APPLE. It's not the Sheriff's Office. It's not a Law Firm. It's not Hewlett-Packard.. it's APPLE. They're rather "chill".

[ApertureValue]

Originally Posted by IceEnclosure 

Those of you saying you're getting old, "jeans??", etc.. it's APPLE. It's not the Sheriff's Office. It's not a Law Firm. It's not Hewlett-Packard.. it's APPLE. They're rather "chill".

Apparently.

I'm fairly certain that the point from those of us to whom you're referring is that throughout our interview experiences, we normally had to dress either in a suit, or VERY business casual. Times have changed, however, and people being able to interview in jeans is a bit different for us.

[ThinkInsane]

Originally Posted by IceEnclosure 

Those of you saying you're getting old, "jeans??", etc.. it's APPLE. It's not the Sheriff's Office. It's not a Law Firm. It's not Hewlett-Packard.. it's APPLE. They're rather "chill".

Yeah, I know it's only the Apple store, but it still seems wrong to me. I was always told growing up that you dress to make a good impression at interviews, regardless of what kind of job you are interviewing for. Before reading this thread, I'd be the guy showing up for the Apple interview wearing a suit. Or at least shirt, tie and slacks.

If my mom ever saw me going to an interview wearing jeans, even nice jeans, a date-raper and sneakers she'd probably have a coronary, no matter what kind of job it was. It's so ingrained in me that I don't think I could do it. Probably the best I would be able to manage would be a casual button down and chinos or something. And shoes, never sneakers or flip-flops.

I guess it's a good thing I haven't had to go to an interview in over a decade.

[ApertureValue]

Originally Posted by ThinkInsane 

Yeah, I know it's only the Apple store, but it still seems wrong to me. I was always told growing up that you dress to make a good impression at interviews, regardless of what kind of job you are interviewing for. Before reading this thread, I'd be the guy showing up for the Apple interview wearing a suit. Or at least shirt, tie and slacks.

If my mom ever saw me going to an interview wearing jeans, even nice jeans, a date-raper and sneakers she'd probably have a coronary, no matter what kind of job it was. It's so ingrained in me that I don't think I could do it. Probably the best I would be able to manage would be a casual button down and chinos or something. And shoes, never sneakers or flip-flops.

I guess it's a good thing I haven't had to go to an interview in over a decade.

You were posting that just as I was posting my last as well. I wholeheartedly agree with this statement. I wouldn't feel right going to an interview in jeans and "sneakers." Ever.

Guess I'm not "hip" enough for Apple then.

[TheoCryst]

Originally Posted by ApertureValue 

Apparently.

I'm fairly certain that the point from those of us to whom you're referring is that throughout our interview experiences, we normally had to dress either in a suit, or VERY business casual. Times have changed, however, and people being able to interview in jeans is a bit different for us.

For my last Microsoft interview, I wore a decent button-down (sans tie), slacks, and nice black shoes. Not only was I the most formally-dressed person in the building (if not on the entire campus), but my first interviewer actively teased me about my attire.

For what it's worth, the aforementioned interviewer is now my manager, so *shrug*.

[turtle777]

We all know it's worse to be under-dressed than over-dressed. So there.

-t

[tooki]

Originally Posted by Big Mac 

Hey tooki, how are sales tracked as far as it relates to job performance, and how much sales pressure is put on the average employee?

How sales are tracked is confidential. I don't need the Apple gestapo on my a$$.

As for pressure... not all that much -- if you are enthusiastic about the product, the customers pick up on that, and Apple's sales training is truly excellent. There's actually a bit more pressure to make sure the sale is done well (high quality and thorough, and in a reasonable amount of time) than anything else.

Originally Posted by ApertureValue 

Initially, I'd ask that same question. But, I'm certain that every orifice of an Apple store simply prints money once the store is open. I'm not even sure they need a sales staff there except to protect the merchandise.

You'd think, but you'd be wrong. For one, there's not that much merchandise on the floor -- anything valuable needs to be fetched by an employee. But moreover, sales is an art and a science, and doing it well takes talent and work, both of which Apple puts in, which is why Apple is now consistently rated as #1 in customer experience for US retail, period, despite people's dissatisfaction with the constant crowds.

And happy customers spend money, which is why a typical Apple store has roughly the same revenue as the Best Buy down the street that needs 10x the square footage to do it. (In terms of revenue per square foot, there is no store more valuable than Apple.)

[turtle777]

Originally Posted by Originally Posted by ApertureValue

Initially, I'd ask that same question. But, I'm certain that every orifice of an Apple store simply prints money once the store is open. I'm not even sure they need a sales staff there except to protect the merchandise.

Originally Posted by tooki 

You'd think, but you'd be wrong. For one, there's not that much merchandise on the floor -- anything valuable needs to be fetched by an employee. But moreover, sales is an art and a science, and doing it well takes talent and work, both of which Apple puts in, which is why Apple is now consistently rated as #1 in customer experience for US retail, period, despite people's dissatisfaction with the constant crowds.

And happy customers spend money, which is why a typical Apple store has roughly the same revenue as the Best Buy down the street that needs 10x the square footage to do it. (In terms of revenue per square foot, there is no store more valuable than Apple.)

Actually, you just proved his first point right

But nice try to distract from that by going after point 2 only

-t

[colourfastt]

Originally Posted by OldManMac 

Not necessarily. Apple specialists wear shorts, ripped jeans, flip flops, sandals, boots, and any manner of clothing that would not be acceptable in most job interviews. I've talked to managers there about hiring people, and they've turned away people who didn't even care to dress halfway decently, because first impressions do make a difference. As I said, I wore a suit, and I was overdressed, but I got hired because of my extensive sales experience.

In my company if you wear that attire to work you will be FIRED within 30 seconds of walking through the office door, and my company is a small health-care concern.

[tooki]

Originally Posted by turtle777 

Actually, you just proved his first point right

But nice try to distract from that by going after point 2 only

Well no, I was just saying that it's not just printing money, it's the result of hard work.

[tooki]

Originally Posted by colourfastt 

In my company if you wear that attire to work you will be FIRED within 30 seconds of walking through the office door, and my company is a small health-care concern.

And that's impressive how?

Apple is a totally different company. You can be in a suit and look like s**t, and you can dress casually and look fantastic. Apple has a corporate culture of style and individuality, and that's what they look for in employee dress. The "uniform" is the Apple t-shirt, which must be worn outside all other attire, and the lanyard. Beyond that, you do what you want. And that works for Apple. Coming to an interview dressed to match the corporate culture shows that you "get it". Coming to Apple dressed in a suit shows that you are completely out of touch with the image Apple wants in its stores. (As I said, I've been on the other side of Apple hiring events, so I can tell you that that example is not contrived.)

[Dakar V]

Originally Posted by colourfastt 

In my company if you wear that attire to work you will be FIRED within 30 seconds of walking through the office door, and my company is a small health-care concern.

We're all very impressed.