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You have successfully applied for your chosen apprenticeship and been invited for an interview. What should you expect and how can you prepare?
An apprenticeship interview is your opportunity to show a prospective employer that you are the right person for the role as well as an opportunity for you to find out more about the apprenticeship and company.
There are various ways in which your interview, or interviews, may be carried out.
By phone – usually used to screen candidates after the application form stage.
Video or online, for example via Skype, Microsoft Teams or Zoom – may be live but could also be in a video format where there are pre-recorded questions and you record your answers.
With a panel – face to face with two or more people.
Face to face with one person
An assessment centre day with other applicants taking the form of a group discussion.
Here are some ideas to help you prepare for your interview(s).
Research
Do your research about the employer, the industry and the role; you can check their website and social media. Make yourself familiar with what they do, their company ethos and be prepared to talk about it. You may find some news articles that you could refer to.
Read the job description
Think about what experience and skills you have that demonstrate the key competencies for the role. This could include part-time work, hobbies, interests, projects you have worked on in College – check what you included in your application.
Think about interview questions
Although you cannot not know exactly what you will be asked during your interview, it is helpful to practise answering commonly asked interview questions to prepare. Think about the following.
‘Tell us a bit about yourself’ – You could talk about what is on your CV and your personality and interests.
‘Why have you applied for this apprenticeship?’ – You want to be able to clearly communicate why you have applied so ask yourself why beforehand and write down your thoughts. Was it the content of the apprenticeship, the company itself, earning while you learn – you will have your own reasons why.
‘‘What skills can you bring to this role?’ – Think about your strengths; do you enjoy working as part of a team, are you creative, organised?
Do you have any questions?’ – Try not to answer with just a ‘no’ because asking questions shows you are engaged. Whilst researching the company you may already have thought of some questions. You could ask about opportunities for progression within the company, the responsibilities of the role and what the next stage of the apprenticeship interview process will be.
Mock interview
Practise your interview technique with someone. This is something a Careers Adviser could help you with, so do book an appointment if you would find this helpful.
The more research and preparation you put into your application, the more likely you are to succeed in your apprenticeship search. Here are a few more pointers to bear in mind.
Dress professionally for your interview, even if the role you are applying for does not require it.
Make sure you check your interview invite and take any documentation that might be required, eg passport, cv, portfolio of work.
Turn your phone off and engage with people whilst waiting to be interviewed.
Maintain eye contact when being asked or asking questions.
Do your research.
Allow yourself plenty of time to get to your interview, aiming to arrive 10/15 minutes before your appointment time.
Share your long-term career aspirations with prospective employers. Telling interviewers that you have thought about your career goals can show them you are committed to the apprenticeship.
Our Careers team is happy to help with questions you may have about apprenticeships or anything else to do with careers and employability.
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