Apple Computers

Apple Computer

John Zweig

"We're looking for students with defined career goals. Do they have some vision? Do they know where they want to be in two years? In five years? That's pretty important to us. Were trying to get folks to come to Apple who "think different" - it's our worldwide ad campaign and there's a lot of truth to it. We want them to think about what they can contribute to the company and what they want for themselves from the experience."

"Communications is a tremendously important skill. Good English skills are important but the bigger question is whether or not they can present themselves to senior management well? Companies are hiring people with all different types of skill sets. Regardless of the field, however, they need to be able to present at a high level of quality. Certainly there's a growth process to that. They don't need to do it the first day - but they need to show potential."

"We're looking for people who are not afraid to offer ideas - to bring forward suggestions that might impact the company down the road. We want people who are observant and willing to share. We encourage sharing of all ideas. What might seem really silly initially could turn out to be profitable in any number of ways."

"To stand out, a student's resume must be creative, innovative and truly express what they're doing. Your resume is your first entree - on the web or in letter form. It's how you sell yourself."

"In an interview, you've got to sell yourself today. Bring something you did personally -- bring a project, an invention, something that shows initiative and innovation, and that you personally developed. Achievement in college shows that you are ready to take it to the next level and make a contribution to a company. Show me. Make it a show and tell experience."

"I want to know why a student chose his or her course work and career direction. I'll ask you what your goals are as a person. I'll ask you what you like to do the most? These types of questions show the broad characteristics of a person - they go well beyond the requirements of specific jobs but are very important in the process."

"We're looking for performance as a company. We want to be the best in the world at what we do. Given that, a student's GPA is tremendously important. An outstanding GPA means you're top of the class. That's the kind of student we're trying to attract to meet our corporate goals. Practical experience plays a role in this area, as well. We'd rather have a student with a 3.75 and experience than someone with a 4.0 and no involvement outside the classroom."

"If a student did poorly freshman year but "saw the light" and did well after - earning strong grades and getting outstanding experience, he or she is still a viable candidate."

"Students need to know that when they get to college that they need to start today. They need to know that the top companies are starting to look at students as early as freshman and sophomore year. They need to do well early. The message needs to be sent that there isn't much time to screw up in college. Companies are recruiting globally. There are a lot of good candidates around the world. You're no longer just competing with your classmates in the US."

"Before a student goes into the interview process he or she need to do some assessment. When they come into an interview and are asked what their career goals are and they lack a clear answer, they come off as scrambled."

"Once students know what they want to do, they need to do a little research on the company so they can speak to the recruiter intelligently about it. It makes a difference."

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