“What are the best ways to prepare yourself for the interview?”. This a common question we get from many of our applicants once they have secured an interview. There are many ways to go about getting yourself ready for the interview process, whether that’s as simple as knowing for sure what time you are expected to arrive, to researching a bit about the company and the industry it’s a part of to impress your interviewers.

To help you feel ready for the interview process, those of us at GetMyFirstJob have compiled a few tips that have been taken from our client’s feedback after they interviewed some of our candidates. Hearing advice directly from employers should help you understand what to expect in the interview process.

Know where you’re going.

Check that you know where you are going and give yourself plenty of time to get there. Find out the employers address and use an online map to find the best way there. Do a practice run if possible – check out the route; no matter if you’re taking public transport or driving it’s good to know how long it’ll take to get there. If you are driving, make sure you know where to park; you don’t want to exit your interview to a hefty parking fine!

Dress to impress.

Make sure you are dressed smartly, even if your interviewers request a casual dress this doesn’t mean you can wear trainers, shorts or jeans. Wearing something more formal, such as a shirt, tie or smart trousers or skirt, will make you feel more professional and immediately give a good impression to the employer, letting them know that you take their role seriously.

Research, research, research.

To prevent getting stuck, check out the business and the industry on the internet so that you have some knowledge about what they do. Revealing that you have gone to greater depths to find out more about the company will make you seem appealing to employers. When answering questions, try to respond in as much depth as you can, and slip in some of the information that you have discovered to show that you have gone that extra length to prepare.

Prepare some questions.

An interview is not just about the employer finding out if you’re a good fit for their team, but also a chance for you to discover if the role is the right one for you. Read over the job description so it’s fresh in your mind – having a clear understanding of the position will be sure to make you stand out. Have a few questions ready for the employer about the role; asking them about their company or more specifically about the duties expected in the role will let employers know that you’re truly interested in what they are offering.

Show your people skills!

When you arrive and the interviewer greets you, go to shake their hand with a smile. Setting off on the right foot will set the tone for the rest of the interview. While speaking to the interviewer, look them in the eye. Not only will this show your confidence, but also your ability to connect to others – an incredibly important skill in the workplace! Additionally, make sure to thank your interviewers at the end of the interview; coming across as polite will be sure to make a good first impression.

Relax.

Lastly, try to relax and enjoy the interview. Don’t be too shy or nervous, think of this as a conversation, and not a test. After all, this is just a chance for your potential employers to find out all the great things you have to offer.

Hopefully, this advice will help you to secure the Apprenticeship role you are looking for! The most important thing to remember is that all you can do is prepare – after all, it’s better to be over-prepared than not having any idea of what to expect. Why not sign up and start searching for the perfect role for you!

interview Apprenticeships Advice & Tips