[rich82fox]

I hope this is the right place to post this, because I couldn't decided which forum would be suitable

I am looking to apply for a job at an Apple Store in London. Although I have not worked in a computer store before I have created a CV description that lists my skills, just wondered if someone could give me their opinion on it before I send it to the Apple store?

cv description:

I was first attracted to the Mac world with the release of the first candy coloured iMacs that were introduced to the market in January 1999. I have since then always made a point of checking Apple’s latest products and regularly watch product keynotes by Steve Jobs. Having a keen interest in video editing from an early age and having been an experienced windows user, I was searching for a solution that would aid me during my studies. It was at this time that I acquired the Iomega Buzz composite video capture package for windows based systems, however it proved ineffective as other components of my system needed upgrading in order for it to work correctly. Having tried various upgrades and reading through numerous PC magazines, I came across an article about Mac versus PC. After having learnt that Windows based systems are geared towards office applications and the Apple Macintosh is a preferred choice of creative professionals I made the decision to convert to the Macintosh.

Ever since my purchase of the iMac DV I have been using Apple Macintosh systems for both my studies and for recreational use. I have experience in digital video capture and editing using both iMovie and Final Cut Pro. Early on I decided to create an online portfolio of my video work, which detailed the specifics of my creations as well complimenting them with an online viewing option which can be seen at www.glassshoe.cjb.net. While in the past I used Real video streaming to broadcast my videos, the introduction of Flash video has made the process far less complicated.

My preferred choice for web site creation is Adobe GoLive, mostly due to it’s user interface and in-built FTP functions. In conjunction with this program I use Adobe Photoshop to create the images for the web sites, such as rollover buttons, banners, video stills and background patterns. As well as the similarity of the user interface of the two programs the two applications tend to work in unison with each other.

It was during the period between completing my course at Camberwell College of Arts and my work placements in hospitality, that I repaired and sold used Apple Macintosh systems using an online auction facility. While having previous experience of building Windows based computers, I was able to explore the inner workings of products such as the original iMac and studied in detail various Apple Certified repair manuals.

My interests include, driving, foreign culture, and travel and as such I have visited many countries across Western and Eastern Europe some of which I have driven to in my own vehicle. I also enjoy visiting relations in the south of Italy.


thanx in advance

rich

[Cold Warrior]

The Lounge tends to get these topics, so I've moved it there.

[besson3c]

are you looking for grammatical/spelling corrections? You have made several...

[Buckaroo]

Originally Posted by besson3c 

are you looking for grammatical/spelling corrections? You have made several...

You can be so mean sometimes. You little stinker.

[Zeeb]

You're passion certainly comes through in your CV. However, a busy hiring manager needs you to get to the point. List your skills with bullet points. Perhaps its different in the UK, but in NY its easy as pie to get a job at the Apple store. You have a lot of good experience and you need to make sure its noticed.

Good luck!

[iMOTOR]

Honest opinion:

First paragraph; reads like an autobiography.
Second paragraph; the last sentence is irrelevant.
Third paragraph; mostly irrelevant. You should list your skills in every Mac software application you're familiar with. But you don't need show your bias towards any particular application, especially non Apple software.

The fourth and fifth paragraphs are relevant, but would benefit from being reworded.

What position are applying for? Do you have people skills?? Why should Apple hire you??

[OldManMac]

Originally Posted by Zeeb 

Perhaps its different in the UK, but in NY its easy as pie to get a job at the Apple store.

Good luck!

Really? For every hire, they interview 10 people.

[Buckaroo]

Ooops, wrong thread.

[besson3c]

Originally Posted by Buckaroo 

You can be so mean sometimes. You little stinker.

Mean? I was trying to be helpful. Submitting a resumé with spelling and grammar errors is not a smart thing to do.

[Buckaroo]

Originally Posted by besson3c 

Mean? I was trying to be helpful. Submitting a resumé with spelling and grammar errors is not a smart thing to do.

I'm just kidding. I didn't know that was his resume. That is not the format that I would use for a resume.

[iMOTOR]

I figured this was his cover letter.

[Not FSJ]

Can you exude coolness and can you close? Show me the money!

[imitchellg5]

The first paragraph starts off abruptly. Like others have mentioned, talk about why Apple should hire you. Let them know what aspects of their products you are familiar with. Delete the third paragraph, unless you change GoLive to iWeb. They'd probably like to know that at least someone likes it.

[ShotgunEd]

I've never been in the position to hire anyone for anything, but, I don't really like the format of your CV.

You should open with a quick sentence explaining what you are about, something like, "Having recently completed *a course* at Camberwell College of Arts I've been working as a *whatever you are doing at the moment* and am keen to pursue my interest in the Macintosh platform"

Then you put down contact details, followed by relevant work experience starting with the most recent. You don't need to put down every job you've ever worked, just the ones that have relevance to the job you are applying for.

Continue to list relevant qualifications you have and bullet pointed expertise such as your experience with GoLive etc...

Finish up with a sentence or two about your interests.

--

Also, what job are you applying for? I'm reading what you've written as someone who wants to be a Creative but given your experience with the "inner workings" maybe you want to be a Genius.

I've found that if you don't focus on one role you are likely to be put into the Mac Specialist pile, simply because that role isn't particularly focused. Hardware and OS junkies get the Genius jobs, web designers and photographers get the Creative jobs.

[@pplejaxkz]

Originally Posted by ShotgunEd 

I've never been in the position to hire anyone for anything, but, I don't really like the format of your CV.

You should open with a quick sentence explaining what you are about, something like, "Having recently completed *a course* at Camberwell College of Arts I've been working as a *whatever you are doing at the moment* and am keen to pursue my interest in the Macintosh platform"

Then you put down contact details, followed by relevant work experience starting with the most recent. You don't need to put down every job you've ever worked, just the ones that have relevance to the job you are applying for.

Continue to list relevant qualifications you have and bullet pointed expertise such as your experience with GoLive etc...

Finish up with a sentence or two about your interests.

--

Also, what job are you applying for? I'm reading what you've written as someone who wants to be a Creative but given your experience with the "inner workings" maybe you want to be a Genius.

I've found that if you don't focus on one role you are likely to be put into the Mac Specialist pile, simply because that role isn't particularly focused. Hardware and OS junkies get the Genius jobs, web designers and photographers get the Creative jobs.

Shotgun hit the nail on the head. When I was interviewed I told them I had a passion for working with Apples technology and I am now a Mac Specialist. I'm working my way up to being a Genius, that's my goal. And don't be intimidated by the role of Mac Specialist either. You don't have to know every single thing about Macs. Everybody works as a team at the Apple store and everyday you're constantly learning.

[el chupacabra]

looking at the people who work at the apple store in my area I'd say apple is looking for trendy, good looking, outgoing, friendly, salespeople that don't know a thing about macs. So in your letter emphasize how you know about apple features/tech and how you can get people excited about them. Sales experience would be good for this position. your trendiness comes 1st knowledge 2nd.

[ebuddy]

What does a position at the Apple store even pay? For example, on average what would a specialist position pay? Genius? Creative?

[analogue SPRINKLES]

Does anyone know what the retail staff at the Applestore actually get paid? Is it horrible or ok? I've never seen a clear answer in 5 years.

[OldManMac]

Originally Posted by analogue SPRINKLES 

Does anyone know what the retail staff at the Applestore actually get paid? Is it horrible or ok? I've never seen a clear answer in 5 years.

You're likely to have a hard time finding out. They're forbidden from discussing that, not only with each other, but anywhere public, such as this site. If it's found out that anyone gave that info, they could be terminated.

[analogue SPRINKLES]

Originally Posted by OldManMac 

You're likely to have a hard time finding out. They're forbidden from discussing that, not only with each other, but anywhere public, such as this site. If it's found out that anyone gave that info, they could be terminated.

Ya but you would think these people aren't there for life and someone would have left and talked by now. You can even find out the pay in the interview before you sign any contracts.

[Andrew Stephens]

In new iworld of Apple, you pay Apple to work in Apple Store!