Pre-interview Advice

We understand that interviews can be intimidating! Here are some suggestions to help you in your interview.

When attending an interview, we want you to feel as confident as possible when responding to questions

The most important thing that an employer likes to see, is that you have done your research on their company and that you are clearly interested in the role. Therefore, preparation is key

Before your interview

Visit the company’s website and research:

• What they do – what services and/or products do they offer?

• When they started – highlight any key successes or awards they have achieved to showcase your knowledge!

• Who they work with – do they have any customers that you recognise? Maybe sponsors or partners?

Plan your route to the company address

• If you’re driving, prepare your satnav or directions and remember to allow time for traffic

• If you are getting the bus or train, make sure that you know all the times and if you need to make any changes to your route to allow time for any disruptions

• Make sure that you have enough money for transport

Plan your outfit the night before so you don’t have to rush in the morning

Make sure you dress professionally and put-together for the interview! You could wear any of the following as an example:

• Suit

• Shirt and Tie

• Dress or Skirt

• Smart Trousers and Top

You may be asked to take some documents with you, although this isn’t always this case. For example, you could be asked to bring along any of the following:

• Your Passport/Driving licence/Photo ID

• Your National Insurance Number/Proof of right to work

• Your GCSE certificates – this includes any relevant certificates you would like to share!

Practice interview questions with a friend or member of your family. Prepare answers for questions such as:

• Why are you the most suitable candidate for the role?

• What is your understanding of the job role and what interests you the most about it?

• What experience or skills have you gained through other activities which you think will be helpful in this role? (e.g., hobbies, interests or weekend jobs)

Prepare 3-5 questions you would like to ask the employer. These could be things like:

• Is there a chance I could be offered a permanent role after my apprenticeship?

• What are your expectations of me in this role? (This will give you a better understanding of possible responsibilities and expectations)

• Is there a progression route for me in the company and if so, how can I get there?

Interview Day

• Wake up in plenty of time to get ready and travel to the company

• Make sure that you eat breakfast as this will prepare you for your day

• Leave with plenty of time and ensure that you arrive 15 minutes BEFORE your interview is due to start and make sure that you ask for the right person, don’t just say ‘I have an interview’

• If you are going to be late, or if you need to cancel, make sure that you phone us in plenty of time

• Be confident and think positive!

At the Interview

• Smile! Remember first impressions last.

• Be polite and friendly to the receptionist/greeter as they will provide the interviewer with initial feedback. If you are offered refreshments, remember to say ‘Please’ and ‘Thank you’.

• Whilst you are waiting for your interviewer, feel free to read through company information that may be laid out on a table. Don’t fiddle with mobile phones or any other devices.

• Whilst you are waiting, other people from the office may walk through the waiting area. Be polite and smile. Remember that these people are your potential future colleagues!

• Be confident, introduce yourself and keep eye contact as this is key to engaging with the interviewer. Be sure to let the interviewer know if you have any preferred names or pronouns. We want you to feel as comfortable as possible!

After the Interview
We will call you to check in about how your interview went. Employers also like to hear your feedback so we will ask for this to share with them. Assoon as we hear anything from the employer, we will pass this information on to you.

This may take a few days if they are holding a number of interviews or need to communicate with other members of staff. If you are successful, we will let you know the next steps. If you are not selected this time, we will pass on feedback which will be helpful for your next application. We will also help you to find another opportunity.

And finally, Good Luck! If you need anything, we are only a call away!