The Offer

I suppose the proverbial cat is out of the bag now as far as my job opportunity is concerned. I guess I can stop being so cryptic when I refer to it from now on.

For those that don't follow, I've been secretly pursuing a job opportunity with a little computer company called Apple Computer, Inc., thanks to Brian. You see, Brian stumbled on to this opportunity on Monster.com one day about a month and a half ago. Being the kind person that he is, he forwarded the URL for the opportunity on to me. At first, I was confused as to why Brian would send me a Monster job opening. But then I clicked the link and found myself captivated by the contents of the job opening, aptly-named Mac Genius. Here's the text:

Do you love Macs and enjoy interacting with other Mac users? Does the thought of working for Apple make you tingle more than those three seconds right after a sneeze? If so, and you enjoy working with people as much as PC's, you might have what it takes to become a Mac Genius.

Millions of users around the world know that when done right, a computer can be much more than a bland box made for the

left side of the brain. They know the elegance and power of the Macintosh.

As a Mac Genius, you'll play host to this remarkable community of people. Whether someone wants a casual conversation about Digital Video or needs an emergency Hard Drive replacement, you'll be there. Your fundamental mission: Ensure no Mac User ever again receives inadequate service or second-class treatment.

Now we realize not just anyone has what it takes to be a Mac Genius. That's the point. You have to be the best. Still interested?

Key Features:

* Confidently manages other operating systems, but handles a Mac like Yo-Yo-Ma plays the Cello.

* Would rather be in the front row of a MacWorld Keynote than have free cable for a year.

* Can delicately identify the difference between a misguided User and an unhealthy Macintosh.

* Instinctively straightens the Mac software shelves when shopping at the local computer store.

* Genuinely enjoys helping others make the most of their Macs.

* Comfortably translates "techno-jargon" into laymen's terms.

* Skillfully restores ailing Macs back to full health.

* Has been able to find Cupertino, CA on a US Map since the age of 12.

* Would move to Timbuktu if they required all computers to be Macs.

* Always eager to discuss cutting edge technology and why Macs rule.

Job Description:

* Lead an interactive environment where people can gather with their Macs to ask questions and learn new things.

* Enrich the Apple/Customer relationship by quickly resolving and documenting technical support events.

* Provide ongoing technology coaching to a terrific service oriented sales team.

* Help snuff out any new and unusual gremlins by quickly notifiying Apple's engineering teams.

* Make Apple's Support Site the best in the business by contributing your own tips and tricks.

* Keep your store in tip-top shape and give customers what they've always wanted; a little piece of Apple in their own backyard.

* Communicate positively with store team members, customers, channel partners, and headquarters. Remember, you represent the Apple brand.

* Be responsible and take good care of Apple's assets.

* Maintain a fit and healthy Mac mind and oh yeah, have fun. This is Apple after all.

As I read down through the list of requirements, I began nodding my head. "Yep, that's me. Yeh, me. Yeh, I can do that. Yup, me again." By the end of the page, I was pretty pumped up about the job. Mac Genius? Yeh, I could do that, right?

So I contacted the recruiting lady and began down a long winding road that would lead me through a telephone interview, a tech screening (to make sure I really was a genius), and finally to a face-to-face interview only a block away from Martin at the Omni hotel. The whole time, nobody at work had any idea that I was exploring this other job...and I made sure it stayed that way until it absolutely needed to be disclosed.

We left for Hawaii on June 14th and on June 16th, on the island of Kauai, I received a telephone call from my recruiter offering me the position. As you can imagine, getting a job offer at the beginning of a 2-week vacation is hardly my idea of fun. I kindly let her know that I would not be able to give her an answer until I returned home on June 30th. Apparently, June 30th was the deadline that had been issued to her as well.

When we arrived home from vacation, I had a two packets of information from Apple waiting for me: An offical job offer packet disclosing the details of the offer, and a Cupertino, CA trip itinerary for July 26-August 9. The position includes a 2-week visit to Apple headquarters for training and certification. Yeh, they've already got me booked on American Airlines, round trip from Richmond.

So here I am. June 30th. As I said above, the cat's out of the bag. As I can disclose further information about my decision, I'll do so on here.

Posted by Jeff at June 30, 2003 11:39 PM