I applied online and about a week later I was contacted via email by a store manager at one of the multiple stores I applied to. The email stated that there was an upcoming hiring event that Sunday at 7pm, and that I needed to RSVP as "seats were limited". I gladly RSVP'd and anxiously awaited the date. That Sunday I dressed in a Polo shirt and some casual khaki cargo pants with semi casual shoes. When I arrived, there was a line of about 35-40 people of all ages and ethnicities, dressed in a wide range of attire. One of the Specialist' came out and gave us each a name tag and asked each of us down the line why we were a good fit for Apple as he typed away at his iPad. Next, we were ushered in to a tunnel of shouting, clapping Apple employees. There were stools setup in theater formation around the Genius Bar, I sat in front as I wanted to be noticed and maybe someone would remember my face. First the employees introduced themselves then we proceeded to watch a video of why Apple was so great and were asked a few simple questions anyone could answer as long as they paid minimum attention. Next they split us into groups based upon numbers pre-written on our name tags. At this point the employees are walking around each group examining how well you communicate and work with others. (give opinions but be open. One guy wasn't budging on a position he thought was the best way to handle it but clearly wasn't correct and I could tell the manager watching us noticed) We then presented. Next, we were given applications asking for preferred location, position, availability, future time off, and probably most important, 20 technical questions about Apple and their products. The Manager stated that it didn't matter how many you answer but in reality "why would they even ask them then?" We were then ushered back to our seats for a short Q&A, told that we would be contacted within the week if we were moving on and then allowed to leave.
A few days later (Wednesday) I received a call from an unknown number. He said that he would like to schedule an appointment for an interview the next week. I gladly accepted the earliest time (the next Wed) and thanked him. During this time I gruelingly searched Glassdoor and probably read every entry related to retail. I took down the questions most likely to be asked at the interview and studied them ferociously. When the day arrived I felt ready but still had butterflies. When I arrived it was a 3:1. I greeted each person with a firm handshake and smile. The majority of the questions were more about my background and "Why Apple?" as opposed to "When have you pushed through when something became difficult?" type. We sat and had a more personal conversation with plenty of laughs and smiles rather than "uh huhs" and frowns. This was all at one of those One 2 One tables you see in the stores and lasted around 30 min. Finally i was told i would be contacted soon. Following the interview I felt really confident.
Two days later (Friday) I received a call early in the morning asking if i was able to come in later that day. I, happy to even receive a third interview accepted and again prepared with the questions I had written down from earlier. When I arrived I was told that I would be interviewing with the Region VP and two other Store Managers. This heightened my already present nervousness. I sat down with two other candidates as well. We greeted each other and began the interview round-robin style. Unfortunately I was first, so i had to think quickly and did not get to build off others answers. Almost every question asked was posted somewhere or another on the site. Ending the interview the manager said he would be in touch with us VERY soon.
* One question asked was "What Apple products do we own?" The last girl answered with the most remarkably dumb answer ever, and i was surprised that she had gotten this far; although they do state that you do not need experience with their products. She said that she had been an iPhone user since 2001!!!! All three managers faces kinda winced when that came out her mouth as did I and she continued without a hiccup.
The very next morning again from an unknown number around 10am I received a call stating that they would like me to undergo a background check. I had no worries as I have nothing on my record (1 point on my license for speeding) and have never partaken in drugs of any kind. I filled out the form from a third party investigator and waited. 5 days went by and i began to get a little worried, so I called and asked about it. The manager said he would give me a call back. a few hours later he called back and offered me a full-time Family Room Specialist position. I was extremely happy!
As others here have said just be yourself and be sociable. if you're kind of an introvert like me, just let go of your fears for a days and just say what you feel and you should be good.