Interview techniques

You’ve been shortlisted. Congratulations! Next, it’s the job interview. Follow these tips to increase your chances of success.

Top tips for your job interview

Apprenticeship job interviews are the same as other job interviews. Here is some best practice advice for job interviews.

1. Think about what questions they may ask around the job specification and prepare answers so you can quickly recall how you have demonstrated that skill/knowledge/experience/aptitude in the past.
2. Frame your replies around the STAR technique which stands for Situation, Task, Action, and Result. For example, 'I volunteered to do the marketing for my local charity group (situation). I was asked to promote a local charity event on zero budget (task). I researched all the local Facebook groups and posted about the event (action). It got lots of engagement including reposts. The event was very well attended and raised £s (result).'
3. Research the company including their social media accounts, website, company history (usually on the About page), their products/services, their company values, vision and mission statements. 
4. Think about common interview questions and how you might answer them. Some common questions are:
• What are your strengths and weaknesses?
• Why did you apply for this position?
• What do you think you can bring to this company?
• Where would you like to be in five years’ time?
• How do you like to be managed?
5. Think of three thoughtful questions to ask the interviewer at the end of the interview. You may not have enough time to ask three but have three in mind, eg ‘What does a typical day look like in this role?’ or ‘What do you personally like most about working for this organisation?’
6. If your interview is an online interview check and test the following:
• joining link works
• your laptop camera and microphone work
• the lighting is just right
• you've made your household aware of the interview to avoid disruptions.

For more advice on CVs, covering letters, job applications and job interviews:

https://nationalcareers.service.gov.uk/

https://www.apprenticeships.gov.uk/influencers/finding-the-right-apprenticeship