Apple cover letter example

Whether you are applying for a position in an Apple store or are a database engineer looking to expand on your Kubernetes experience, to secure a job at Apple requires a precise and technology-led approach. An Apple cover letter should include only the most relevant tech experience for the specific role that you will be taking on.

Some technology professionals might consider that their experience and achievements should speak for themselves in a job application process, but with a company with such a strong culture as Apple, how you go about your daily work is just as important. An Apple cover letter allows you to hint at these interpersonal aspects. Here’s what we will consider in this Apple cover letter example and writing guide:

• Format the cover letter to include a range of experience – technical and personal
• How to tell your story in the introduction, middle part and end of the cover letter
• Being as granular as possible with your experience – show how unique you are
• Include the relevant industry language that will be picked up by the ATS software.

Best format for an Apple cover letter

Even though 300-350 words for your cover letter might seem a lot, you would be surprised how quickly your cover letter gets filled with meaningless filler phrases. 

An Apple cover letter that is structured to frame the most important parts of your career story will allow the recruiter to focus on what matters. Here are the sections your cover letter should include:

• The cover letter header
• The greeting / salutation
• The cover letter intro
• The middle paragraphs (body of the letter)
• The ending paragraph of your cover letter (conclusion and call-to-action)

This Apple cover letter example may get you started:

Cover letter header

The cover letter header is oftentimes the first thing a hiring manager will see. Even Apple needs to know your email address and phone number. Much as they could look you up on their sophisticated database, putting your basic contact details (including your socials if you deem necessary) at the top of your Apple cover letter is essential. 

They might be on your resume and will therefore get transferred to the Apple ATS system, but there is nothing like including them just in case the hiring manager wants to call you there and then.

Make sure that your email is from a recognised provider and ideally not a competitor. Even the choice of font can make a difference for your name – look at the kinds of fonts that Apple uses and act like part of the family.

Goal of the cover letter header: Put the contact detail right at the top and include your socials so that the hiring manager can find out more about you and get in touch.

Cover letter greeting

Many parts of the Apple business pride themselves on the efficiency of their work and communication, so getting the greeting right is a basic consideration that you cannot afford to get wrong. Check the spelling of the person that you are addressing and if you do not know to whom you are writing, opt for the warmer “dear software engineering team” (or something suitable) rather than the cold “to whom it may concern.”

Goal of letter greeting: There are far more important things for an Apple recruiter to consider than worry about why you couldn’t get the greeting right. Getting the basics right at Apple doesn’t earn you praise – it is expected.

Cover letter introduction

The introductory lines should zero in on the specific value that you will bring to your role. Don’t lazily parrot the job description – Apple wants to understand your actual capability. Data science managers might detail exactly how their analyses have driven product transformation, software engineers need to show how their coding expertise solved the trickiest of problems and store staff need to share the sales successes of the customer-centric retail superstar. Only the best stories will make the hiring manager read more.

Goal of the cover letter intro: Apple is interested in only the best applications, so start your success story on a high note.

Cover letter middle part (body)

The middle paragraphs of cover letters allow you to share your career story. Whatever your role at Apple, the body of your cover letter has to be as tech-centric as possible. How have your skills advanced the development of your employer’s products? Which qualifications do you possess that give you an advantage over the other applicants? How has your contribution affected the product road map?

When reading an Apple cover letter, it should be crystal clear that the application is for a job at Apple and Apple alone. This might sound strange, but there are definitely certain things that you would choose to include in an Apple cover letter that may seem out of place for other companies. Check out the job description and tailor your examples and skills to it. Awesome isn’t enough – you need to be “Apple” awesome.

Goal of the body of your cover letter: Share your best stories, quantify your achievements with impressive financials and use interesting action verbs to fire the imagination.

How to close an Apple cover letter (conclusion and sign-off)

Everyone working for Apple needs to be a salesperson to some extent. Influencing those around you lies at the heart of the brand, whether you work in a store or a programming team, so ending your Apple cover letter with a strong sales close will demonstrate that you understand one of the tenets of great influencing: leaving them wanting to find out more.

Finish with a call to action, as even a company as amazing as Apple wants to recruit confident people who feel that they have much to offer. Ask for the interview in a quietly confident manner – avoid arrogant demands but also adopt an inquisitive tone about learning more.

Goal of the closing: Finish the apple cover letter on a confident and positive note and leave the hiring manager wanting to find out more.

Apple cover letter with no experience

New to the tech sector? If you don't have much experience or you're a recent graduate, don't be disheartened. You still have a shot at working for Apple. While you can't rely on your work history to land you the job, you can focus on the following subjects: 

• Passion. Why do you want to work at Apple specifically? What knowledge do you have of the company and how does it relate to your personal aspirations?
• Skills. Every Apple professional needs to have a diverse skill-set. What technical competencies do you have and how will they help you to succeed? Be specific.
• Career goals. Where do you see yourself in five or even ten years? How will landing a job at Apple help you realize your long-term professional goals?
• Innovative ideas. Apple is nothing if not innovative. What gaps in the market have you noticed? What out-of-the-box ideas do you have to share?

Basic mistakes in an Apple application letter (and how to avoid them)

By this point, you should be well-versed in how to write an Apple cover letter. However, before you hit "send," there are some mistakes that you need to avoid, as follows:  

• Boring rhetoric. When you are applying to a massive business like Apple, you need to use rhetoric to your advantage. If your cover letter is boring, no one will want to hire you. It's that simple.
• Spelling and grammar issues. Silly little typos can destroy your chances of landing your dream role. When you have written your cover letter, be sure to proofread it.
• Fluffy language. The hiring manager wants to hear why you are the right candidate for the role. Ditch the fluffy language and get straight to the facts.

Key takeaways

1. Work out what it means to you to work for Apple, how you would add value to the team and which parts of your story might be most likely to impress.
2. Include quantifiable achievements throughout your story and make sure that your passion for the product / service shines through.
3. Don’t be tempted to opt for a “creative” format for the Apple cover letter. Keep it simple and professional – your story will speak for itself.
4. Proofread the cover letter and make sure that the tone is suitable.