Preparing for the interview process? Want to know what to do to wow your potential future employer?

2. Preparing for the Interview Process
Prior to the interview you must try and prepare yourself by anticipating some key questions
that the interviewer might ask. You need to start with researching about the company,
reviewing the job description and trying to figure out what skills you might need to satisfy
the requirements of the role in the company. The more information you know about the
company, the better you will be at anticipating the interviewer’s questions.
Steps to help you prepare:
• When you send your CV to the employer, make sure its tailored to the job you are
applying for
• Evaluate your strengths and weaknesses (and make sure you think of your weakness
as an area of improvement)
• Assess what transferable skills you may have from previous qualifications or work
experiences that might attract a potential employer to you
• Make a note of any accomplishments or highlights of your studies or career (and how
it met your professional development needs) and what you learnt from this experience
How to research about the company:
• Go to the company website – read about the company, its products and services,
market position, competitors etc.
• Do a Google Search on the company – this might give you an overview about the
reputation and any news stories related to the company could help you’re your
interview answers into context.
• Speak with friends, colleagues and family that may have worked in the company or
work in the industry will provide you with a wealth of information to frame answers.
• Research the industry and any terms that are frequently used.
•
Understand the Job Profile and how it fits with you:
• Look at what skills are specified in the job profile – e.g. technical skills, education and
experience, managerial and personal traits.
• Compare your CV with key areas in the job profile to check if there’s a good fit – including
positive and negative areas, where you may meet or exceed experiences. You could
make a list of your strengths and weaknesses.
• Look at ways to explain any differences between the CV and job profile, back this up
with information from any previous projects, voluntary work, community activities
and training that can help you reduce the gap.
For further information please email us on:
info@apprenticeshiprecruitment.co.uk

3. Preparing for the Interview Process
• Examine your core skills and key achievements and find a way to link it to the job profile
- these specification situation-based answers will help paint a more positive picture to
your interviewer.
• Ask your family or friends to help you do a mock interview. Remember to link
your work experience with the job profile, giving specific situation-based
answers to evidence your skills base. Think of a unique selling point that might
make you memorable to an interviewer – by talking about past achievements.
What to wear for an Interview
• First impressions are important – as research shows that interviewers make up their
mind about a candidate in less than 20 seconds. Make a lasting impression by dressing
smartly and wearing a smile.
• Your company research should help give you more information on the type of clothes
(e.g. formal/semi-formal/casual) would be acceptable – bear in mind that interview
clothing tends to be more formal that everyday office wear.
• You should be comfortable in what you wear, ensuring the clothes fit well, are clean
and well-ironed and you have smart footwear on – no trainers or flip flops!
• If you are smart and well-presented the employer will associate these with positive
work habits.
• Be advised not to wear too much jewellery or strong perfume, keep it smart and simple.
Possible Interview Question List
1. Tell me about a time when you faced a challenge.
2. What are your strengths and weaknesses?
3. How well do you work in a team?
4. What activities were you responsible for in your last position?
5. Give me an example of a time when you had to plan or organise.
6. What skills can you offer this company that is relevant to this job?
7. Do you have any experience that is relevant to this industry?
8. What job and activities have you done that make you suitable for this position?
9. What qualifications/competencies do you have for this job?
10. What are your major accomplishments or achievements?
11. Have you had any other kind of training that is suitable for this position?
12. Why should we hire you?
13. Why do you want the job?
For further information please email us on:
info@apprenticeshiprecruitment.co.uk

4. Preparing for the Interview Process
14. Why should we pick you and not another candidate?
15. What are you career goals?
16. What skills do you think are most critical for this job?
Questions to ask the Interviewer
At the end of the interview, you may be asked if you have any questions – this might be
to understand how prepared you are and how interested you really are in the position.
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Who would you report to?
What progression routes are there within the company?
Could the interviewer see you fitting in with the current team?
What will be your day to day responsibilities?
Will there be any internal training other than what’s offered within the apprenticeship?
What is the first project that you will be working on?
You can ask questions about the decision timeline for the position?
You can also ask about the Interview process and what are the next steps?
Questions you should NOT ask the Interviewer
1. Pay or bonus questions
2. Annual leave entitlements
3. Interview Performance
Remember, an interview isn’t only a way for you to see if you fit in with the company, its a
way for the company to assess if you want to work for them.
For further information please email us on:
info@apprenticeshiprecruitment.co.uk