Apple holds hiring events for their retail outlets, and this is the deciding factor between getting called a second time and going back to the dole.
The hiring event takes place at the retail outlet where the managers for all positions meet. You are then asked to stand up and deliver and say who you are and why you are applying at Apple. After everyone has gone through this, you pair up with the person next to you and you are then asked to "sell" the other person to the company or why is Mr. XYZ the perfect employee for Apple.
If you are applying for a technical position a test is given at the end of the event to examine your skill level on all things Apple, including iphones.
After an applicant goes through these hurdles, then the one on one interviews commence, first with the assistant manager, followed by the manager for the position you have applied for and lastly it is the branch manager who will have a final say.