Preparing for your employment interview at the in-service training establishment

As already mentioned, it is the companies themselves who choose those they wish to offer an apprenticeship place. You are not guaranteed a place, even if your grades are good. Potential candidates are often called in for an interview. You should prepare as best you can for such an interview. Here are some useful tips;

• Get information in advance about the training establishment in question. You don’t need to know everything about the company, but if you know something beforehand, it will make it easier to ask questions about the company during the interview. It will show you are interested in the apprenticeship place.
• Prepare some questions that demonstrate your interest in the company and the apprenticeship opening.
• Think carefully about why you want an apprenticeship place in this particular company. You may be asked this very thing, so it is smart to be prepared with a positive answer. Example: “It seems like an exciting occupation”; “I’ve always wanted to be an engine mechanic, and this seems like a good company to work for.”
  
• Think carefully about your positive and negative sides. Questions often focus on this, so it is a good idea to practice answering such questions in advance. It can also pay to hone in on some negative characteristic that can be cast in a positive manner. For example, if you are impatient by nature, you can explain this as a desire to get results. The most important thing is to have a realistic self-image.
• Role play can be useful. Let someone interview you who knows you well, which is good training for answering questions about yourself. You can also stand in front of a mirror and “interview” yourself.
• Think about how you are dressed when you go for the interview. Don’t overdress, but it's good to come across as neat and well-groomed.
• First impressions are important – a firm handshake and eye contact have a positive effect.
• Show that you are interested in the company and the apprenticeship place. Don’t be afraid to ask questions as the interview proceeds, but let the company lead the conversation.
• Show that you want the job!