I applied on the Apple website by uploading my resume and a cover letter. I got a email from a manager at Apple inviting me to a "invitation-only recruiting seminar". The seminar consisted of around 20 hopefuls and there were 3 representatives from Apple. We watched some videos about apple, and we were asked a few question such as 'Why do you think so many people visit the Apple Store?" "What did you notice about the video?". I said that they spray pheromones to attract customers and got a good laugh, and I said that I noticed the video was very well done, and very dynamic. Others were just pointing out things that were said in the video. We then did some role playing, pretending to sell products to each other in front of the group. We would act as a buyer and then as a seller. Make sure you are up to date on the Magic Mouse, Mobile Me, iPad, iTouch, iPhone, OS X 10.6, Time Capsule, and the iPods. When it was my turn to be a seller, I was the first to say "Hi, welcome to the Apple Store." and everyone else did it after me. I sat right in the front and made lots of eye contact and by the end, the seminar leader (in this case the same guy who had emailed me) was looking directly at me, and I felt like we were having a conversation. I got a call that afternoon to come in for a second interview (apparently there are 3). I recently became an Apple Certified Support Professional for OS X, and I think that helped a lot. I mentioned being certified when we were all waiting in the lobby and chatting before the seminar, and everyone seemed a little downcast to hear it. To get certified, I first took a class called Support Essentials: Snow Leopard 10.6 to prepare. The class was expensive, but I'm glad I took it. It is not a requirement to take the test. A expert with the OS would be able to pass it. After I got my certification I started offering one on one training sessions and troubleshooting services and I used my clients as references. Some of my clients have fancy job titles, so I think that was very helpful as well.
I have finished my second and third interview. They were both with 2 other people, which I thought was odd. It was a benefit to see who the competition was, and the pace would slow since you could think while the others were talking. At the second and third interview they did not have a copy of my resume. They had a tiny sheet of paper from the seminar. I mentioned at both interviews that I was certified, and they were surprised to hear it both times. I think they don't really care at that point. They know that your resume had to be good to get to this point, and now they go purely on character and charisma. I don't even have a High School diploma, others were fresh out of college. I got the job by telling the best stories about past work experiences at the last interview. They ask you to tell about a time when you went above and beyond what was asked of you to provide better service, and one time when something went terribly wrong and you were able to fix it. If you write these down ahead of time and practice them a few times, you will look really good in the interview. Remember to smile, and make lots of eye contact. I made a few jokes and made everyone laugh a few times, I think that helped a lot. Don't try that unless you are funny.