We encourage innovation at Apple. What does innovation mean to you?
Apple has 11 rules for their employees, related to innovation and success:
- Let go of the old, make the most of the future.
- Always tell the truth, we want to hear the bad news sooner than later.
- The highest level of integrity is expected. When in doubt, ask.
- Learn to be a good businessperson, not just a good salesperson.
- Everyone sweeps the floor.
- Be professional in your style, speech, and follow-up.
- Listen to the customer; they almost always get it.
- Create win/win relationships with our partners.
- Look out for each other, sharing information is a good thing.
- Don't take yourself too seriously.
- Have fun; otherwise, it's not worth it.
Talk to the interviewer about a time when you have embodied some of these principles of innovation and success.
"I agree with Apple's 11 rules of success and believe that innovation comes from letting go of the old, and making the most of the future. Also, when you have fun with what you do, you can be at your most innovative. In a nutshell, innovation - to me - means looking at things differently than expected."
Community answers are written by other candidates practicing this set. Reading how others frame the same question is one of the fastest ways to sharpen your own.
Anonymous Answer
Innovation is doing something helpful and useful that has not been done before. Sometimes that’s something huge, like the introduction of voice assistants. Other times it’s more subtle, like a swipe instead of a button. I love “kaizen”, the Japanese concept of constant improvement.
Marcie's Feedback
Can you talk more about kaizen, what you know about it, and why it appeals to you? Otherwise, your answer clearly explains your definition of innovation and what it means to you - good job! Perhaps consider talking a bit too about your ability to be innovative (provide an example if you'd like) and your desire to work for a company that encourages innovation and creative thinking.
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