How to nail your apprenticeship interview
Before you can secure an electrical apprenticeship, you’ll usually need to spend some time face-to-face with your potential employer to convince them you’re a good fit.
Nailing an electrical apprenticeship interview might sound complicated, especially as it relies on a lot of variables and factors that are unpredictable. But the truth is that there are certain rules that apply to every job interview, and there is one key tool to give yourself the best chance of embedding these rules and nailing any interview. That tool is preparation.
Frances Barnes, People Director at NICEIC, said: “Really, the most important thing you can do before any interview is get your house in order. That means knowing the job description you’re applying for almost as well as the people advertising it and making sure you know your CV like the back of your hand.”
Learn as much as you can about the job and the business you’re applying to
When it comes to electrical apprenticeships, it’s really important that you show an employer that you’re enthusiastic about learning – specifically at their business. Many employers will be looking to take on their apprentices as full-time employees once they complete their training, so they’ll be looking at you not only as a candidate for an electrical apprenticeship, but as a potential long-term employee.
Because of this, it’s really important you prove to them that you understand the company and the job role you’re applying for. To do this, read the job description thoroughly and look up the company online as much as you can. Find out how long they’ve been around, where they are based and what kind of services they are known for providing. If you can prove that you’ve done this research beforehand, you’ll show that you’re prepared, a hard worker, and an overall more serious candidate for electrical apprenticeships.
Look over your CV and prepare for any questions you might be asked
An interview involves answering a lot of questions, and your potential employer will ask most of these based on the information you’ve provided in your CV and in your cover letter. Because of this, it’s vital you are completely familiar with all of the content you’ve included in these materials and are ready to answer any deeper questions they may have regarding your previous experience.
Think of some past examples that demonstrate your strengths
Even if you have had a limited employment history, you can still take full advantage of the experience you have gained in education or extra-curricular activities. For example, if you do any team sports in your free time, use an example of working together with your team as evidence of how you can work well as part of a workforce.
Ask questions of your own
It’s always a good idea to come prepared with some questions of your own for your interviewer. Your earlier research into the company might have stirred up some questions, or you might just want to clarify some things about the job description. Either way, by asking questions of your own, you’re demonstrating consideration, confidence and maturity, helping to ensure the employer treats you as a serious candidate for one of their electrical apprenticeships.
The STOP approach
Provided you’re properly prepared for your interview, the only thing that’s left to stand in your way is nerves and anxiety. This can materialise in lots of ways, including fear, forgetfulness, talking too quickly or, alternatively, going quiet. Being a bit nervous – even very nervous – is completely normal, but panicking isn’t, and fortunately there are ways to calm yourself down and avoid getting in a state. One such way is the STOP approach.
The STOP approach is a quite simple way to relax yourself before an interview. It stands for
Stop – stop what you’re doing, put your phone down, and take a minute to pause.
Take a breath – take a couple of deep breaths to slow your heart rate and calm your nervous system.
Observe – observe yourself as if from the outside. Try to objectively notice the thoughts running through your head, how your body is feeling, and your emotional state.
Proceed – by taking the time to pause and reflect, you’ll feel more able to proceed in a more thoughtful, logical way.
The STOP method is all about slowing down and becoming mindful in order to achieve some peace. It works by halting everything you’re doing and focusing only on what you’re thinking. Even if it’s just fidgeting, try to stop everything. Now, start to observe what’s happening in your body from an outside perspective. Describe the emotions you’re feeling in your head, think about what’s causing them. Now you’ve thought about each emotion, allow yourself to feel them again while applying your newfound understanding and calmness. You’ll find things will go much better.