Company: Apple
Date: 2008-04-29
Overall rating: 4/5
Employment status: former

Awesome company, unforgettable experience, totally worthwhile endeavor.
Pros: Apple doesn't just have employees; they have True Believers. Most people begin working for the company because they're long-term Apple customers. Some grew up hoping to work for Apple one day. It's exciting to be part of something that inspires awe, curiosity, and sometimes envy among even the most stubborn detractors. Working for a company that produces products and services you believe in is much more fulfulling than, for example, hawking hoochie halters at Hollister. Even as a part-time employee, there are supplemental 'perks' to the job, including discounts, weekly training on software packages, and sometimes, even product gifts. For example, during my tenure with Apple, employees were given the iLife software suite, a 30GB Video iPod, a shuffle, Parallels Software, and an 8GB iPhone - all completely free. While those gifts are absolutely welcomed by staff, that isn't what inspires such praise and loyalty. Many Apple employees feel almost like missionaries; we spread the word of Mac, explain how Apple products can improve peoples' lives, and instead of just handing them the 'fishing pole', we teach the customers to fish through online video tutorials, in-store demonstrations, workshops, and even personalized weekly one-on-one training sessions. Personally, I have witnessed everyone from suited businessmen to droopy-jean clad teens to technophobic senior citizens come into the store, use the products for themselves, and fall in love. What's really fun to see, though, is how surprised they are at their own enjoyment of the products. The look of unmitigated joy that spreads clear out to the corners of their mouths and beams right up to the corners of their eyes is not something I have found in any other job I have had. Apple doesn't just give people products; they give them feelings such as pride, confidence, excitement, joy, and yes, even 'coolness'.
Cons: Depending on the store, management can make your life HELL. All the customer accolades, positive co-worker relationships, job competence, product knowledge, and above-average goal/metric achievement in the world will mean SQUAT if someone in management dislikes you. There's no recourse when it's your word against theirs, and the Apple concept of "Fearless Feedback" is a complete joke when your supervisor's favorite phrases include "I'm not going to discuss that with you", "This isn't a conversation", and "I am not opening this to dialogue". That said, I also know that leadership teams at some stores take a much different approach with their staff, and as such, a much more pleasant, positive work experience is provided. It's difficult to communicate effectively as a part-timer, as there is a company-wide moratorium on external communications. This is especially problematic when changes are made to the schedule mid-week, and you're notified only by email that can only be accessed from within the store, and you're not due in before your newly-scheduled shift. This could potentially be solved with the implementation of a secure, password-protected employee website that would be accessible from anywhere, wherein an employee could be notified of schedule changes or other crucial information.