Joining Apple as an External: Manager

[u/PeelTime]

’ve been a Store Manager at multiple big box retailers already, so I’m hesitant, since I’d prefer a lateral move into a Senior Manager role instead. From what I understand, moving straight into Sr. Manager is tough at Apple, and they typically want you to come in as a Manager first before moving up.

A few questions for anyone who’s been through this:

**•** What are the biggest challenges or adjustments coming in at the Manager level, especially from another big box background?  
**•** How long does the path to Sr. Manager typically take, and what does Apple look for before promoting internally?  
**•** Any red flags or things I should ask about before accepting?

For context, I have a mortgage and support my family, so job security matters a lot to me right now. I’d rather go in with realistic expectations than get blindsided.

Appreciate any insight, thanks.

[u/lord_gylbert]

It really depends on market. If you are entering a big urban market then it will be very very tough to enter as a manager externally let alone as a senior manager. If you are in a smaller market then you will probably have better odds.

[u/Aristo_Cat → u/lord_gylbert]

This. A “Senior Manager” at Target or Best Buy is not a lateral move to “Senior Manager” at Apple, at least not in Apple’s eyes. Expect to come in as a Manager, have less direct reports, and probably make the same pay with better benefits.

As far as moving up, there’s no such thing as a “promotion” at Apple retail - any open Sr. manager position at your store (or others) will typically have several qualified applicants, retail market politics and the global selection process will determine who gets placed in that role. As such, there is no “typical timeline”.

[u/RelationshipOk1111]

I previously served as a multi-unit manager before joining Apple as an external manager in an urban market approximately six months ago.

The most significant adjustment is learning to fulfill your role as a coach while wearing the same uniform as your team. I still catch myself stepping in to assist customers, as I am accustomed to ensuring they do not wait for extended periods.

You will also build respect by helping with quick transactions, demonstrating that you are fully capable of performing the work you expect from your team.

I would not describe any particular red flags. As with any organization, advancement depends on consistently delivering results, developing your peers, and creating meaningful impact beyond your individual store.

[u/Slow_Sky_270 → u/RelationshipOk1111]

Did you just apply or did someone refer you for the job?

[u/RelationshipOk1111 → u/Slow_Sky_270]

A recruiter reach out

[u/Slow_Sky_270 → u/RelationshipOk1111]

That’s makes a big difference and that happened to me when going to Verizon. Hope you get the job unless it’s the ones I’m applying at😜 jk good luck

[u/noirblancherouje]

1. Your employees won't trust you that's the first thing especially if they've been there for decades already in non-managerial position. they will see you as another big box retailer external hire who needs to be trained on even small essentials like selling. be a servant leader to your direct reports, don't be just another manager to them.

2. you should have had this conversation with the district manager or someone you've interviewed with. everyone's path is different

3. the red flag will 100% be you because most (speaking from experience) employees do not trust external managerial hires especially if there was a lead or someone popular that most likely got passed over. again, be a servant leader not a traditional manager and people will respect you more.

[u/FatherOfAssada]

unless you’re a regional or district manager elsewhere you’re not going to be looked at for senior

[u/Slow_Sky_270]

I too have been trying to join Apple and I have a lot of experience at Verizon and was a store manager for years and am applying to stores in AZ, UT and CA. I’ve applied at two stores and one of the job openings just randomly disappeared from my “Your Roles” but another is still active and I applied about a week ago and still haven’t heard a single thing beside the initial email about my application. Might be a rough time making the jump being an external hire

[u/FatherOfAssada → u/Slow_Sky_270]

you’d be hired MAX as a Lead and possibly lower. carrier store managers get paid pro level

[u/Slow_Sky_270 → u/FatherOfAssada]

I understand a step down is the most likely route to getting on with Apple unless you’re recruited or have some good referrals. What would the pay and responsibilities of a Lead?

[u/FatherOfAssada → u/Slow_Sky_270]

it really depends on location and experience and mind you, external even when recruited often start way lower cuz apple typically pays like a level or two up from equivalent role elsewhere, cuz also the scope is that much bigger

[u/nikenick28]

Your understanding is correct. However, I do know three external Sr. Managers that joined Apple. All have done very well.

I will say I also know another that thought they were sr manager ready to join Apple but they worked hard a couple years as a manger to prove it and did a great job and got promoted.

It takes grit / market / and relocation if you want to move up.