Pre-interview Advice

We know that interviews and assessment centres can feel intimidating, but don’t worry—we’re here to help!

To give yourself the best chance of success, it's important to feel confident and prepared. The best way to do this is by researching the company and showing a genuine interest in the role. Employers love to see that you’ve taken the time to learn about their business and understand what the apprenticeship involves.

So, take the time to prepare—it will make a big difference and help you show your best self on the day!

Before the interview / assessment centre

Take some time to explore the company's website and learn more about them:

• What they do – What services or products do they offer?

• Their history – When were they founded? Have they achieved any key successes or awards? Mentioning these can help demonstrate your knowledge!

• Who they work with – Do they have any well-known customers, sponsors, or partners? Recognising these can show your genuine interest in the company.

Plan your Journey

If your interview or assessment centre is in person, plan your journey in advance to avoid any last-minute stress.

• Driving? Set up your satnav or plan your route, and allow extra time for traffic. If possible, try a practice drive beforehand to get familiar with the journey.

• Taking public transport? Check bus and train times, and be aware of any changes or possible delays. Give yourself extra time just in case.

• Don’t forget travel costs! Make sure you have enough money for your transport, whether it’s fuel, a ticket, or a travel card.

Test your Tech!

If your assessment centre is being held online, make sure you're fully prepared by checking the following:

• Test your tech – Ensure your laptop or device is fully charged, and check that your microphone, camera, and internet connection are working properly.

• Find a quiet space – Choose a quiet, well-lit area where you won’t be disturbed.

• Check your background – A tidy, professional-looking background (or a blurred one) helps make a good impression.

• Log in early – Give yourself time to join the call a few minutes before it starts to avoid any last-minute issues.

• Have a backup plan – If you run into technical problems, have a way to contact the organiser, such as an email or phone number, so you can let them know.

Plan your outfit

Choose your outfit the night before to save time and reduce stress in the morning.

Dress professionally to make a great first impression! Here are some suitable options:

• A suit

• A shirt and tie

• A dress or skirt

• Smart trousers and a top

Looking put-together will help you feel confident and ready for the day!

We can’t guarantee exactly what questions you’ll be asked during your interview, but practicing with a friend or family member can really help build your confidence.

Here are some common interview questions to prepare for:

General Questions:

• Tell us a bit about yourself.

• Why do you want to do this apprenticeship?

• What do you know about our company?

• Where do you see yourself in five years?

• Can you give an example of when you worked as part of a team?

• Tell us about a time you solved a problem.

• What strengths do you have that will help you succeed in this role?

• How do you handle challenges or setbacks?

• What motivates you?

• Do you have any questions for us? (Always try to ask something—it shows interest!)

Prepare some thoughtful questions to ask the employer at the end of your interview. Here are some examples:

• Is there potential for a permanent role after completing the apprenticeship?

• What are your expectations for me in this role? (This will help you understand the responsibilities and expectations for the position.)

• How would you describe the company culture and working environment?

• What further training and development opportunities are available?

• Where do you see this role taking me in the next 5 years?

• What qualities are you looking for in the ideal candidate?

• What do you consider to be the biggest challenges and rewards of this job?

• Are there opportunities for career progression within the company, and how can I work towards that?

Asking questions shows your genuine interest in the role and helps you get a better understanding of the company and the opportunities available.

Interview Day

On the day of your interview, make sure to:

Wake up early to give yourself enough time to get ready and travel to the company.

Eat a good breakfast to fuel yourself for the day ahead.

Leave with plenty of time so you can arrive at least 15 minutes early. When you arrive, ask for the specific person you are meeting, rather than just saying "I have an interview."

If you are running late or need to cancel, contact us as soon as possible to let us know.

Stay confident and positive—you’ve got this!

At the Interview

Smile – First impressions are important, and a smile goes a long way!

Be polite and friendly to everyone, including the receptionist or greeter, as they will provide initial feedback to the interviewer. If you are offered refreshments, be sure to say “Please” and “Thank you”.

While waiting, feel free to review any company materials that might be available. Just make sure to avoid fiddling with your phone or any other devices.

If other employees pass through the waiting area, be sure to greet them with a smile—these could be your future colleagues!

When it’s time for your interview, be confident, introduce yourself, and maintain eye contact to show engagement. If you have any preferred names or pronouns, kindly let the interviewer know—we want you to feel comfortable and respected throughout the process

After the Interview

We will give you a call to check in and hear how your interview went. Employers also value your feedback, so we’ll ask for it to share with them. As soon as we receive any updates from the employer, we’ll pass that information on to you.

Please note, it may take a few days for the employer to get back to us, especially if they are interviewing multiple candidates or need to consult with other team members. If you are successful, we’ll inform you of the next steps. You may be asked to come back for a second interview or a trial.

If you are not selected, we will provide you with helpful feedback for future applications and assist you in finding another opportunity.

Good luck! If you need any support or have any questions, we're just a phone call away!