Contractor to FTE @Apple

Apple / Design
litecheese

Go to company page Apple Design

litecheese
Jun 7, 2021 22 Comments

I’m a contractor (Sr UX Designer role) at Apple (not by choice) and have been there for a year now.

Trying to apply to different FT roles there and looking for any advice or help.

Already have gone through final rounds for two companies and waiting for offer but wanted to give Apple a chance (though it may be too late now). #design #interviews #ui/ux

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TOP 22 Comments
  • What do you mean not by choice?
    Jun 7, 2021 13
    • Thanks for sharing! I have 5 yoe at Microsoft but the work here isn’t very fun/exciting… How should I go about finding a design contract opportunity at Apple?
      Jun 8, 2021
    • Apple / Design
      litecheese

      Go to company page Apple Design

      litecheese
      OP
      If you REALLY want to go the contractor route, I’d look for staffing agencies that have the clients you want to contract for (ie Apple, Google, etc) and sign on with them but your pay will most likely not be great, you’ll get no options/equity, benefits sucks, and you’ll get less respect from the FTE at the companies you contract for. You’ll also most likely work on grunt work (so probably not fun/exciting like your current position). I was forced into a contractor role when the internal product I was working on failed. It worked out that my contract ended up being with Apple but I would recommend not going this route unless you’re younger and single. I got a family to take care of so this lack of stability isn’t great.

      What I like about contracting is that I can say no to a project if I want (which I have) and I get about 1-3 months off between projects. Hours are more flexible and I’ve done remote work (even before the pandemic). Oh and yes because I can put Apple on my resume, I get more opportunities.

      Hope this helps.
      Jun 9, 2021
  • Apple
    qwertyuio_

    Go to company page Apple

    qwertyuio_
    Unfortunately it’s just a matter of getting lucky with open headcount timing with teams where you would be a good fit. Instead of just looking at posted roles, I would suggest talking to leads of teams you would be interested in joining, ideally leads/teams that know your work already, and see whether they happen to have any needs/roles they plan to get a req for in the near future.
    Jun 7, 2021 2
    • Apple / Design
      litecheese

      Go to company page Apple Design

      litecheese
      OP
      Yeah, that’s what I’ve been doing but my portfolio hasn’t really reflected my UX skills because of NDA’s and such. I know I need to update my portfolio but it’s kinda difficult having to share the care of my son who’s autistic. And I literally have 5-7 hrs of meetings a day which leaves me to doing OT to finish my tasks. But I’ll work on my portfolio and def focus more on team leads as you suggested. Thanks!
      Jun 8, 2021
    • Apple / Design
      litecheese

      Go to company page Apple Design

      litecheese
      OP
      Yeah, I’ll hit a few team leads that I’ve gotten to know and see if they could use me on their team.
      Jun 8, 2021
  • What companies you interviewed with?
    Jun 7, 2021 3
    • I feel you man. Going FTE is worth it because FTE positions always have better benefits than contracting. Not sure how the converting process goes in Apple but in FB, it’s just the normal hiring process maybe you get to skip phone screen. Congratulations on the offer!
      Jun 8, 2021
    • Apple / Design
      litecheese

      Go to company page Apple Design

      litecheese
      OP
      Thanks man. Yeah. Hopefully they’ll give me the full TC I’m asking for. Lol.
      Jun 8, 2021
  • Hope it went well OP, feel free to DM if you need a referral
    Jun 16, 2021 0