Securing a position at Apple is considered challenging; however, according to CEO Tim Cook, individuals possessing four specific qualities increase their chances of being potential candidates.
During an address at the University of Naples Federico II in Italy in 2022, where he was awarded an honorary degree in innovation and international management, Cook emphasized the importance of prospective employees caring about the world around them.
He noted that Apple employs a group of individuals who are dedicated to changing the world, enriching lives, and leaving the world in a better state. Cook remarked that this passion drives employees to produce their best work, yielding extraordinary results.
Cook outlined the specific attributes Apple looks for in new hires, emphasizing four key traits.
Collaboration
Cook identified collaboration as a crucial skill for anyone aspiring to work at Apple. He highlighted the significance of strong individual contributors and the exceptional outcomes that can be achieved when they work together. Apple values the ability to collaborate and believes that sharing ideas can enhance and expand them. Cook emphasized the collaborative process as instrumental in Apple’s product development.
Creativity
Creativity was another trait Cook mentioned as important for potential employees. He stressed the need for people who think differently, approach problems from various angles, and utilize their creativity to devise solutions.
Curiosity
Cook discussed the value of curiosity, noting that Apple seeks individuals with an inquisitive nature. He mentioned that questioning, akin to a child’s curiosity, encourages deep thinking in response to inquiries. This innate curiosity is a quality Apple looks for in individuals.
Expertise
Finally, Cook emphasized the necessity for relevant expertise in prospective employees. For roles involving industrial design, for example, Apple requires individuals with knowledge and skills obtained through education or work experience.
Cook suggested that employees possessing these four traits have found success at Apple and that the company will continue to hire individuals who demonstrate these attributes. He stressed that job satisfaction is twofold, implying that working for a purpose larger than oneself is essential for success.
He concluded by stating that, without a mission centered on serving customers and improving their lives ethically, no financial incentive would make a job worthwhile. The driving force, he asserted, is always about what one does for others.
A version of this article initially appeared on Fortune.com on October 3, 2022.
