In a recent podcast interview hosted by Dua Lipa, Apple CEO Tim Cook shared some key values or skills he expects to see when hiring a potential employee for the company. According to Cook, Apple seeks individuals from diverse backgrounds, with or without college degrees. These are individuals who are ready to work as a team in a creative way that fosters a dynamic work environment.
During the interview, Cook expressed a unique perspective on teamwork: “Everyone at Apple believes that ‘one plus one equals three.’ Your idea plus my idea is better than the individual ideas on their own.”
Addressing the common misconception that technical expertise is a prerequisite for employment at Apple, Cook clarified that coding skills are not mandatory. He stated that the company values curiosity, the ability to ask questions and a commitment to teamwork.
Cook acknowledged coding as an important life skill but noted that Apple has successfully hired individuals who do not possess extensive coding knowledge or use it as a part of their daily responsibilities.
While coding skills aren’t mandatory to get you into the company, Apple’s application process is rigorous. Some candidates may undergo up to 13 series of interviews before they are hired.
Reflecting on the hiring process, Cook mentioned that he looks for passionate, idealistic individuals who are not deterred by challenges. Cook strongly believes in the importance of hiring people who aspire to change the world and refuse to accept the status quo.
His vision for Apple’s workforce includes individuals with a diverse range of perspectives, describing the ideal candidate as “wicked smart people who have a point of view and want to debate that point of view — these are people with clear vision, who want to make things better.”