Informal chat with an electrical company

[Kellen Wilkie]

ive been invited to an informal chat with a company regarding getting an apprenticeship. How should I prepare myself? What questions might they ask

 

[Squid]

next fits the bill for a suit that ill wear once every year or so, not much point getting a tailored suit as ill most likely have bloated up within a year

I thought you were like me suave, sophisticated and rich spend money like it grows on trees, on fast women and loose cars or is that the other way around God knows as I am doing a line of charlie off a hookers bare breasts so I am off my fecking head, I digress apologies....

Next suits are for losers and low life's up in court for thieving from the local Spar or CoOp.

 

[Marvo]

According to your profile you're aged 19 so chances are they're going to assess you as a person far more that you're electrical abilities. They're going to be looking for someone that's committed, keen, driven, neat and tidy, punctual, organised, inquisitive, confident but not to the point of being cocky. Tell them about your supportive family, your numerous hobbies and pastimes, your many interests....you get the picture.

Do some homework on the company, things like what their core business is, how long they've been in business, how many employees, their geographical coverage, are they expanding?...are they innovating? and think about how you can convince them that you'd be a good fit. Convince them that you're sufficiently committed to be in it for the long haul, you're looking at this as a long term career and how you might be an asset to them after the apprenticeship not just any old job that'll do for now.

I disagree with the suit suggestions, if it specifically says informal then why would you blatantly ignore that and wear a suit and tie? Just go in pants and a shirt or whatever you think would be smart/business casual....not jeans...not tee shirt and make sure any tattoos are covered. Make sure your personal hygiene is up to scratch take a small notepad and pen and don't be afraid to take notes.

 

[HandySparks]

... and make sure any tattoos are covered.

Consider removing any piercing hardware as well.

 

[elsparko]

According to your profile you're aged 19 so chances are they're going to assess you as a person far more that you're electrical abilities. They're going to be looking for someone that's committed, keen, driven, neat and tidy, punctual, organised, inquisitive, confident but not to the point of being cocky. Tell them about your supportive family, your numerous hobbies and pastimes, your many interests....you get the picture.

Do some homework on the company, things like what their core business is, how long they've been in business, how many employees, their geographical coverage, are they expanding?...are they innovating? and think about how you can convince them that you'd be a good fit. Convince them that you're sufficiently committed to be in it for the long haul, you're looking at this as a long term career and how you might be an asset to them after the apprenticeship not just any old job that'll do for now.

I disagree with the suit suggestions, if it specifically says informal then why would you blatantly ignore that and wear a suit and tie? Just go in pants and a shirt or whatever you think would be smart/business casual....not jeans...not tee shirt and make sure any tattoos are covered. Make sure your personal hygiene is up to scratch take a small notepad and pen and don't be afraid to take notes.

what if your version of informal is a suit?, i wouldnt bother with a tie, i wouldnt take notes though, if i was an interviewer and the interviewee took out a notepad id think they are forgetful or are taking the ----

 

[Pete999]

Suit and tie, CV Questions:
What training will I receive?
What sort of installations will I be involved in?
Questions they may ask you:
Why do you want to be an Electrician?
Why did you pick / choose this firm to apply foe a job?
Have you worked before, if yes doing what?
Do you have any problems with getting dirty at work?
Dou you have a clean driving licence?
Have you ever been introuble with the Police (criminally)?

Could go on you will just have to play the rest by ear, Oh and do some research on the company.
Good Luck

 

[Jim90]

Pants and a shirt? That’s mental. Atleast let your interviewer buy you a drink first.

 

[Kellen Wilkie]

Thanks all for the advice I’ll let you know how I get on

 

[Pete999]

Thanks all for the advice I’ll let you know how I get on

OK Mate thanks for the reply

 

[Adam W]

I agree with Marvo - if they'd called it an interview then yes, wear a suit with a tie, but they specifically said an "informal chat" so they'll be expecting you to come dressed accordingly.
I wore a suit to my last interview; OK they offered me the job but at several points throughout the interview the interviewer questioned whether I minded getting my hands dirty, as if I wore the suit all the time (I don't).

I would suggest smart casual - shirt, jeans are OK provided they're not scruffy.

 

[johnduffell]

suit makes an initial impression that you're taking them seriously, your background research on the company and intelligent questions about your future there cements that impression.
I turned up for an interview having spent the train ride reading the company blog, then it turned out two of the interviewers were the ones who wrote the post I said was most interesting. Turned out I got the job!
Then when I was on the other end I realised I was competing against the kind of person who says they want the job because they need some money (don't say that) or that the recruiter/agent didn't give them much information about the company (use the internet/twitter/facebook/industry news to find out about the company culture and challenges)

Above all, be enthusiastic and polite. Good luck.

 

[martin mcguinness]

what's a "suit"? is it a scottish version of suet?

if he's a teenager his suit should be a white kappa shell suit Burberry baseball cap and some type of white trainers (pmsl)

 

[martin mcguinness]

I will be serious this time defo smart dressed (not the above) trust the guys giving advice here we have all been through this. Try to be confident but not arrogant be honest be enthusiastic.
my last apprentice when I had my own business came to my house in a suit (I had known him for years) came across as enthusiastic and seemed hungry to learn. I was impressed that he wore a suit it just gave an impression of maturity. 2 weeks later he was the opposite looking like a day in a coal mine be aware this can be a really dirty job and let them know you understand this.

 

[Kellen Wilkie]

if he's a teenager his suit should be a white kappa shell suit Burberry baseball cap and some type of white trainers (pmsl)

I wouldn’t be caught dead wearing any of that haha

 

[Squid]

I wouldn’t be caught dead wearing any of that haha

He is from Fife and his name is Martin McGuinness......... ;o)))))

 

[martin mcguinness]

And