I was recommended by a friend and also had several years of retail experience. This was enough to get me an interview, which is by far the most difficult part. Apple's retail managers have hundreds, sometimes thousands of applications to sort through. I interviewed with two managers. The first was an Apple-focused, behavioral interview. It's obvious that it was a corporate, "by the book' list of questions. This interview went poorly because I wasn't an Apple fanboy and didn't have many opportunities to draw upon my retail experience. The second interview was with a different manager who was much more casual and conversational (and I was more prepared after the first). The current hiring that I see at Apple stores: Definitely know your Apple products, particularly computers and basic Apple software (iWork, MobileMe, iLife, etc). The managers are looking for an enthusiastic energy and passion for the products. Don't be afraid to walk in and essentially say "I'm a nerd and I love Apple products. I like using them, talking about them, convincing my friends to get them, etc." This is essentially what you'll be doing all day anyway.