The recruitment process felt unnecessarily drawn out — almost like having a part-time job just to apply for one. It involved a phone interview with an Apple employee, followed by a group video interview, and finally an in-store meeting that appeared to be the final stage. The in-store interview was quite unusual. The store leader began by insisting on introducing himself before allowing me to speak. He spoke at length about his own background, including his time working at other retailers before Apple, the specific stores he’d been part of, and even how he organises his life into “buckets.” He also talked about being an SES volunteer and playing pickleball in his spare time. When it was finally my turn, he interrupted frequently and dismissed much of what I said, even telling me he wasn’t interested in hearing about my previous work — despite having just spent several minutes describing his own. I also tried to express my genuine passion for Apple products and technology, and how much I enjoy sharing that enthusiasm with others, which I felt was highly relevant to a customer-facing Apple role. Unfortunately, he didn’t seem interested in hearing what Apple means to me or why I wanted to be part of the company. At one point, when I tried to engage in conversation by making a light comment about pickleball (a sport I admitted I didn’t know much about), he later told me I was being arrogant for “assuming things” about it. It was an uncomfortable and unnecessary remark that left a poor impression. He also misheard parts of my introduction, repeating details incorrectly and making light of them. Overall, the experience left me feeling unheard and undervalued — disappointing, given Apple’s strong reputation for empathy, inclusion, and respect.