Interviews for apprenticeships
Interviews for apprenticeships
I
t goes without saying (or maybe it doesn’t!), but it helps if you’re ready from the outset to atend
your appointment on time, are well prepared and ... are looking smart! The following is not an exhaustive guide to interview prep, but here are some dos and don’ts that are ofen overlooked…
Handling nerves Interview nerves are something that never really leave you – they just become more manageable. The key is to be a combination of relaxed, alert, confident and attentive. Easier said than done, but if you follow the rest of our advice, you’ll stand a good chance!
“Tell us about yourself” This is something of an unfair request, and very open-ended, especially when you’re nervous and of course you feel pretty inexperienced. One business owner told Options:
“I really try not to ask this, but to open instead with: ‘Why do you want to work with us?’ Or, I pick something out of their interests to put them at ease: ‘Do you like sport? What do you play and who do you support?’ “However, if it’s a hectic day, I can
sometimes come out with something more general.” Under these circumstances stick
to your interest in the line of work and the company you’re looking to join. Answers involving other pursuits are best prompted by the interviewer.
Questions, questions We’ve all heard about typical interview questions, especially “what are your strengths?” and the dreaded “what are your weaknesses?” While preparation is everything, it’s
useful to bear in mind that you can’t predict every question. However the following are fairly typical questions to expect, so it’s a good idea to try a mock interview with a friend or parent, where you are comfortable providing the answer to: Why are you suitable for this role? Why are you interested in completing an apprenticeship programme?
Where do you see yourself in five years’ time?
What experience of dealing with customers/working in teams do you have?
What qualities do you think are important in this job role?
What makes the difference between a good customer experience and an excellent one?
The answers should be relevant
to the role and focus on the your strengths and experience. Remember, the aim is to take every opportunity to reinforce your suitability for that particular apprenticeship. Of course, towards the end of an
interview you’re almost certainly asked: “Do you have any questions?” By the way, it’s never good to reply with “er, no” since that will leave the interviewer with the impression that the you’re just not curious or engaged. Even the most caught- in-the-headlights moment can be
effectively swerved by asking one of the following: What is a typical day working in your business like?
What qualification will I achieve at the end of the apprenticeship?
How will my time be divided between working and learning?
What have apprentices gone on to do after their apprenticeship?
Of course, since you’ve carried
out thorough research during your application process (you have, haven’t you? see previous chapters!) you may well have additional questions about the industry or that company in particular – this can make a very good impression, so it might be an idea to draft a few (and also go through them in the mock interview exercise).
Checklist before interview Travel: get there at least 15
minutes before the designated start time
Appearance: make sure you look appropriately professional
Items: take a copy of your CV and application, a notebook and a pen.
Please don’t forget to: Switch off your phone Focus on your strengths and stay relevant
Be respectful, make eye contact, smile and call the interviewer by the name they introduce themselves with
Ask questions Politely ask when you’ll hear back Shake the interviewer’s hand and thank them. Good luck! l
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