How to Get an Apple PM Referral

Do you dream of becoming a product manager (PM) at Apple? Are you finding it difficult to enter the interview cycle? If you answered yes to both of these questions, there’s something you need to know: an Apple PM referral can help.

A job referral is a recommendation for a job opening made by a current employee, friend, or professional acquaintance. A referral often results in a stronger chance of getting hired as the employer trusts the judgment of the referrer. For the sake of this article, we’re focusing on securing a referral from a current Apple employee. 

Why do you need a referral?

While you don’t need a referral to land a PM job at Apple, it can definitely work in your favor. For many candidates, this is exactly what they need to get their foot in the door. 

Getting a job as a product manager at Apple is a highly competitive process, and having a referral can significantly increase your chances of landing the job. Here are some reasons why having a referral can make a big difference:

Insider Information

A referral from someone who works at Apple can give you insider information about the company culture, job requirements, and what the hiring managers are looking for in a candidate. This information can help you tailor your resume, cover letter, and interview responses to better fit the company’s needs.

Networking

Having a referral gives you an opportunity to network with someone who already works at the company. This can help you make valuable connections and get your foot in the door.

Credibility

A referral from a current employee gives you credibility with the hiring managers. When a current employee takes the time to recommend someone for a job, it sends a strong signal that you have the skills and experience that the company is looking for.

Faster Hiring Process

A referral can speed up the hiring process, as the referral often goes straight to the hiring manager or recruitment team. This can result in a quicker decision-making process and a faster offer.

Increased Trust

A referral from someone who already works at the company can increase the trust that the hiring manager has in you. Hiring managers are more likely to trust a referral from someone who already works for the company, as opposed to someone who is a complete stranger.

Better Fit

Apple is known for its strong company culture, and having a referral can help you ensure that you are a good fit for the company. A referral from someone who already works at Apple can vouch for your fit with the company culture, making the hiring manager more confident in their decision to bring you on board.

Increased Confidence

Finally, having a referral can increase your confidence in the hiring process. Knowing that someone who already works at the company believes in your abilities can give you the confidence you need to perform well during the interview and make a strong impression.

How to find an Apple PM referral

Finding a referral for a product manager job at Apple can increase your chances of getting hired as referrals are highly valued by the company. Here are some steps to help you find a referral:

Utilize your network

Reach out to your current and past colleagues, classmates, friends, and family members to see if they know anyone who works at Apple or has connections there.

Attend industry events and conferences

This is a great opportunity to meet people who work in the tech industry and potentially have connections at Apple.

Join online communities and forums

Join LinkedIn groups, Reddit forums, and other online communities where product managers and tech professionals gather. This is a good way to build relationships and potentially find someone who works at Apple and can refer you.

At PM Exercises, we have a community of 100k (and growing) aspiring, current, and former product managers. Active participation is one of the best ways to connect with other professionals in the field, which could lead you to the referral you’re seeking.

Check your alma mater

If you went to school with someone who works at Apple, reach out to them and ask for a referral.

Leverage your current company connections

If you work for a company that does business with Apple, reach out to your colleagues who work with them and see if they can make an introduction.

Once you have a referral, reach out to them and explain why you’re interested in the product manager role at Apple and why you think you’re a good fit. Be sure to thank them for their time and offer to provide any additional information they may need.

It’s important to keep in mind that finding a referral is just the first step in the job search process. Be prepared to sell yourself and showcase your skills, experience, and passion for product management during the interview process.

How to ask for a referral

Asking an Apple employee for a referral for a product manager opening can be a great way to increase your chances of getting hired. Here are some steps to help you successfully ask for a referral:

Build a relationship

If you don’t already know the Apple employee, reach out to them and introduce yourself. Share your background and why you’re interested in product management.

Explain your interest in the company

Make it clear that you’re specifically interested in Apple and why you believe you’d be a good fit for the company.

Ask for their assistance

Politely ask the employee if they know of any current product manager openings at Apple and if they would be willing to provide a referral.

Provide information

Offer to provide the employee with your resume and any other relevant information that they may need to make the referral.

Express gratitude

Thank the employee for their time and assistance and let them know that you appreciate their help.

Overall, the way you ask for a referral is based largely on your relationship with the other person. For example, if you’re former co-workers with a relationship outside of the office, you’re more likely to speak with the person as a friend. Conversely, if you recently met, a more high-level approach is necessary.

What to do after receiving a referral

Receiving a referral from an Apple employee for a product manager position is a positive step in your job search. Here are some steps to take after receiving a referral:

Follow up with the employee: Thank the employee for the referral and ask if they have any additional information that could be helpful to you.

Prepare for the interview: Research the company and the product manager role, and prepare responses to common interview questions.

Reach out to the hiring manager: If the employee provided you with the name and contact information of the hiring manager, reach out to them and introduce yourself. Mention that you received a referral from the employee who provided the introduction.

Be professional and enthusiastic: Make a great impression during the interview by being professional, enthusiastic, and knowledgeable about the company and the role.

Follow up after the interview: After the interview, send a thank you note to the hiring manager and the employee who provided the referral. This shows that you’re interested in the role and grateful for their help.

Final thoughts

Now that you know how to get an Apple PM referral, it’s time to take action. Move through the steps above while customizing them to match your specific circumstances and job search criteria.

While you’re doing that, continue to review and practice answering Apple product manager interview questions. This way, when it comes time to tackle your first interview, you’re prepared for success.