Interview for an Electrotechnical Apprenticeship

[AdamUK]

I'm going for my apprenticeship interview in 6 days and I'm really nervous about it, I've never really done well in interviews but this will have to change through preparation and any advice would be great to help me through it!

Will questions related to installing equipment etc come up? If not what kind of questions will get asked?

Has anyone interviewed, or been interviewed recently? If yes let me know how it went.

What are interviewers really looking for out of an apprentice?

Thanks!

 

[telectrix]

they will expect a reasonable knowledge of basic maths, english and a bit of science, common sense, a willingness to learn, and the ability to communicate coherently.

do a bit of research on the Company as they will probably ask you why you want a job with them over others, and what you can bring to them.

FFS, turn your mobile off, dress smartly, and finally, being a scouser, blag like hell.

 

[Tiny Spark]

Firsty good luck for your interview.

As for what they are looking for that will vary person to person.
I recently recruited for a apprentice and when interviewing them I tried to keep it as more of a formal chat and wanted to find out about them and the mind set which they have.
At the end of the day a Apprentice is what you make him (good or bad) so I was not overly bothered about if they had any experience I was just interested in if they had the right kind of mind set to do the job and what they would get on like with me and the rest of the team.
Just be yourself and go in prepared.

Just as a general tip though and this applies to any job go smartly dressed (Shirt, Tie etc) and research the company you are applying for. Look on their web sites for information because 1 question nearly every interviewer asks is what do you know about the company and why do you want to work for them.

 

[derek preece]

Draw up a list of questions you'd like to ask them, don't forget you are interviewing them as well to ensure they are suitable for you.
If it is a large company they can quite often use a number of set questions such as 3 strengths and weaknesses etc. There are many interview tips on the net if you do a search also research the company to find out as much as you can including sectors it is involved in or new contracts it has just won and so on

 

[Guitarist]

Many years since I sat my apprenticeship interview, but you will not be expected to know the ins and outs of the job. Show genuine interest in the Company, and try to explain what makes you passionate about this field of expertise, without sounding like you know it all. Stress how you are willing to learn everything there is on offer, and how you really feel that you can be an asset to the Firm, once you have completed your training.
Industry is all about being a team player, so be relaxed and put your interviewers at ease as much as possible.

 

[Pete999]

I sit in at a lot of interviews as an observer, be smart, polite if you don't understand the question say, if they ask if you have any questions, don't just ask how much will I be getting, as important as it is, questions: what sort of work will I be doing, how many staff are there, and don't forget to shake hands before and after the interview, oh and thank them for seeing you GOOD LUCK
Pete999

 

[derek preece]

Also it can help to take your time over answering questions you find tricky, rather than blurting out the first thing that comes into your head, answering the question after taking the time to consider it (even if it seems to you that you are taking ages) will go down with the interviewer better. And if they make a joke, even if it is terrible, then you should laugh

 

[Johnuk]

you will find they will tell you what there company is about and what you will be doing, that what I find when you go in to a interview, so just set yourself some questions to ask, so just listen to what they say, if big company they may show you round

 

[robbalaar86]

I've had a few interviews over the last couple of years and nearly every time the one question that catches me out is " so what are your weaknesses" have a think about it. I normally go with I ask too many questions.

The chaps on here giving you advice, I would take most of it because they have been there and done it.

Good luck wish you all the best chap.

Rob

 

[VoltzElectrical]

I don't know if you have had your interview yet, but I try to hijack my interview to my own agenda, by taking a question the interviewer asks into a conversational/ narrative answer that allows me to expand on my experiences, and show off my abilities.

I know that on the surface, this sounds arrogant, but I don't mean to.

What I mean is that interviews are really hard on the interviewer too. I know, i've had to interview people!

What they are looking for, is can they get along with you, can you learn, adapt, take orders, rise to the challenge, lead, follow, take initiative, etc..

so make life easy for them!

Go in there and say, Hi!, I'm xxxx and this is what I've done, this is what I enjoy, this is what I want to do, I'll ask what i don't understand, I am flexible and keen to learn.

Make out that you have got stuff to offer in terms of your experiences so far (even if these are soft or transferable skills).

Above all, pep talk yourself that the job you are going for doesn't matter squat, so you go in there with confidence.

Hope that makes sense.

 

[karajjamjar]

I have an interview this Friday for an electrical apprenticeship. I know how you feel, I am bricking it, but the important thing is to be calm, and clear with your answers.

So far I have researched a lot about the company, as they will probably want to know why I am applying for a job with them. I am trying to practice answers to questions, that makes me seem keen and interested in the job.

Good luck...

 

[AdamUK]

Thanks for all the support guys, it has really helped me out so far!

I'm just struggling to find out information about the company, I don't think they're large because I can't find anything on them apart from websites advertising them.

Does anyone have any input on this?

 

[derek preece]

You could phone them up pretending to be a market research company or another business offering services and ask questions or even say you are doing an A level business studies project? If they are really small though you'll probably get through to the person who will be interviewing you who certainly won't have time to sit answering questions on the phone when they have a business to run and might recognise your voice when it comes to your interview.

 

[stranded]

Got mine on Thursday with a company. Running out of time to find somewhere too.... All the best!