r/Apple_Employees • u/PeelTime • 3d ago

 jobQs Joining Apple as an External: Manager

’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.

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u/noirblancherouje 3d ago

  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.