Apple recruits BlackBerry staffers in smartphone maker’s backyard

If ruining BlackBerry’s business wasn’t enough, Apple has reportedly also begun recruiting the Canadian company’s employees.

Last month, just days after BlackBerry announced it would cut 4,500 staffers, or about 40% of its workforce, Apple held a recruiting event just miles from the floundering company’s headquarters in Waterloo, Canada.

According to the Financial Post, Apple held the event on Sept. 26 at the Cambridge Hotel and Conference Centre in Cambridge, Canada. The Cupertino, Calif., tech giant directly invited some BlackBerry employees over LinkedIn and even told them to extend the invite to others who may be interested in attending.

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“If you are interested in working on the world’s most advanced mobile devices and operating systems as well as alongside other amazing, talented and passionate engineers then Apple may have opportunities for you,” the Apple invitation said, according to AllThingsD.

The invitation also said most jobs would be in Cupertino, where Apple is located.

“Relocation and immigration assistance will be provided for candidates that are hired, as needed,” the invitation reads.

The recruitment effort is understandable, since tech companies are always looking for more help. But it also adds insult to injury.

Along with Android phones, the Apple iPhone is largely responsible for destroying BlackBerry’s smartphone business. Before 2007, BlackBerrys were so popular that some only half-jokingly referred to them as “CrackBerrys.” Being spotted with one now is almost embarrassing among the technologically advanced.

Apple could not be reached for comment.

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