Apple Interview: Should I mention I'm an app dev?

jb15newjb15new Member Posts: 6
edited April 2012 in Miscellaneous
Did you mention that you were an app developer when you were being interviewed? Would mentioning it help or hurt?

I have a dream of working for apple and I'm wondering if I should mention I'm an app dev or not--it sets me apart, but my apps aren't that good...

(all are free):
http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/lefty/id443765097?mt=8
http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/scribble-ball/id441403111?mt=8
http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/the-final-flight/id445210755?mt=8

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P.S. Wow, its been a while. Hey everyone!

Answers

  • beefy_clyrobeefy_clyro Member Posts: 5,394
    It would help if you told us what you were being interviewed for??
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  • jb15newjb15new Member Posts: 6
    Any one of the entry level jobs--Specialist, Creative, Inventory. Possibly (down the road) I could become a Genius or go through their leadership program.
  • jb15newjb15new Member Posts: 6
    Background: A few months ago, I had an interview, and did pretty well (got invited back) until they realized I was under 18 (which they can't hire). At that time, I had mentioned that I made an app or two, just for fun. I don't know if it made a difference or not--positive or negative.

    It's about time to renew my apple dev subscription, and I'm weighing the $99. I'm making no money from my apps (all free)--so it would definitely be a loss. The main reason to renew it would be to, when I interview again (when I'm 18), be able to say I had a few apps on the app store. But if that doesn't matter, I'd rather not spend $99.
  • mynameisacemynameisace Hull, UKMember Posts: 2,484
    Yeah, definitely mention it. It shows that you are passionate about Apple and take a vested interest in what they do.

    Ace
  • LeonardDeveloperLeonardDeveloper Member Posts: 4,630
    By reading magazines, Biographies and being a real apple Fan, I know for fact that apple don't like hiring people who have done and do create services to do with apple..
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  • jb15newjb15new Member Posts: 6
    edited April 2012
    Thanks mynameisace. You're saying don't do it, Leonard?
  • SAZ_1SAZ_1 Member Posts: 397
    I say mention it... it can't hurt just because you make apps... Also its how you say it to them as well.. don't make it sound like your the smartest person in the world because you make apps just say things like i make apps for fun and I gained so on skills because i did all the marketing, selling, pr, organising blah blah in your interview.. i think it shows you got drive and initiative... also shows you don't waste your spare time.
  • SpinningnutmegSpinningnutmeg Member Posts: 107
    edited April 2012
    My dad recently went to dinner with 3 Apple regional managers and he told them about me and how I make apps and websites and they said that once you go to work for Apple every application or website that you make becomes Apples. Meaning once you sign the contract everything becomes theirs. So I you can mention it if you want.
  • LeonardDeveloperLeonardDeveloper Member Posts: 4,630
    Oh sorry, What I mean is mention it... but don't go bragging as if you're job would get you better sales.. deffinately mention it ;)
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  • jb15newjb15new Member Posts: 6
    OK. Thanks guys! I still could see it going either way... From what I understand, they don't hire fanboys, so I want to be sure it doesn't look like I'm a fanboy.
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    Does anybody actually work for apple?
  • tenrdrmertenrdrmer Member, Sous Chef, Senior Sous-Chef Posts: 9,934
    So do you have an interview or do you plan to get an interview down the road sometimes?

    Like TSB I have also heard you cannot work for apple and make and sell your own apps. I believe I saw a news story once about a high up Apple guy pushing his own crap apps out on the app store to make extra money and he got in lots of trouble. So you would most likely have to quit being a developer to work for them.

    Also on a side note. Whats up with the jb15new user name. dont you have the jb15 login?
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  • jb15newjb15new Member Posts: 6
    Wow! Thank you both (and everyone) for the info. You just saved me $100 and a lot of trouble. I remember the apple interviewers as not really caring, so I'll probably let it go for now. (Course now that GS supports android...hmm...)

    *This forum is so awesome.* Thanks again everyone!
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    tendrdrmer, I tried logging in with both of my old accounts and niether worked--so I tried resetting my password--but I never got the email to do so.
  • RPRP Member Posts: 1,990
    Yeah you'd be hitting a conflict of interest area there. We had people get discovered/caught making personal apps, graphics and websites while working at Apple in the past and those were confiscated. Your situation is not the same of course, but it hits grey areas that Apple's legal team just nipped in the bud and said "no". Any apps you released prior to becoming an employee are no issue. Anything else would need special permission (very special).

    As far as claiming that you are an app developer, sure it won't hurt to mention it, but you had better be more versed with Xcode and Objective C than you are with Gamesalad (or other third party SDK or tool sets) That is kinda like going to a Pepsi interview while drinking a Coke. There are lots of Apple employees well versed in third party apps, but since those are not supported by Apple, other than experience with another product it won't do you much good. Xcode and the Apple supported tools are a different story, as you could likely end up supporting those in your possition/s. Also, if and when you work for Apple, get used to that word "supported".

  • jb15jb15 Member Posts: 602
    Good insights RB. Thanks!

    (tenrdrmer, account issue resolved)
  • LaurenSaladLaurenSalad Inactive, Chef Emeritus Posts: 650
    Just to throw my two cents in there, my fiance works for Apple and he is NOT allowed to make apps or sell/provide anything on the App Store. It is considered a major conflict of interest and something that Apple uses to take disciplinary action against their employees.

    I would be wary of mentioning it, as they might perceive it [ios app development] as something you are unwilling to give up to work there.

    If you are hired and work for Apple, you would most likely have to stick to Android development- so you wouldn't get fired :)
  • jb15jb15 Member Posts: 602
    Great info. Thanks lauren. Of course, if I worked at Apple, I would NEVER develop for android... :)
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