Got invited to an hiring seminar for four stores (Chestnut, Cambridge, Burlington, Natick). This was my sixth first-phase interview if you include the four stores. With my experience I've learned that every store interview is slightly different and that every manager(s) are looking for specific answers so if you nailed a question for one manager the other manager probably wants a more specific answer.
For example during my first interview I've noted on how apple has designed their stores to be very inviting, employees opening the doors and that there are more than just one product to demo. The manager was very pleased with my answer but at another seminar the manager noted that everyone who answered overlooked that people come to the Apple store to just try the latest product which I thought was an obvious answer.
During the third and final task we were to split into four groups and talk about experiences we had by pulling out situations from a bowl I and almost everyone didn't fully understand that they want folks to act out these situations with each other. The next day I got the dreaded generic e-mail
" Thank you for your interest in working at the Apple Retail Store. As you can imagine, we received a large number of qualified applicants for this role. At this time, we have chosen to move forward with other candidates that meet our current needs. I want to personally thank you for your interest and for investing the time to speak with us about this opportunity."
I must say after performing like a monkey and listening to Apple propaganda an being turned down again has made me jaded and no longer teeming with enthusiasm for job prospects with Apple Retail. Also this is a great entry position for college students like myself but it's a dead end job like all retail jobs.