Interview Tips

At Shared Apprenticeships, we receive hundreds of applications and shortlist only a few so it’s a good sign if you have been invited to interview - well done!  We spend a lot of time shortlisting and arranging meetings so please do turn up at the agreed date and time - we won’t bite!  And please only apply if you really want to be considered and not because someone told you to – trust us, it will only go wrong.

Common interview questions

• Tell me about a difficult decision you have had to make and how you dealt with it.
• Do you have any experience that might help you in this job?
• Why do you want to pursue this job/career?
• Where do you see yourself in 5 years?
• Have you had any positions of responsibility?
• Describe yourself in 3 words.
• What have you done that you are most proud of?
• Can you give an example of when you worked as part of a team?

Things your interviewer(s) will expect you to do:

• Smile
• Shake hands - firm handshake goes a long way!
• Make eye contact
• Say hello and introduce yourself
• Speak formally - e.g. 'yes' instead of 'yeah'
• Don't chew gum
• Dress smartly
• Don't swear
• Sit without slouching
• Show interest
• Answer questions as fully as possible
• Speak clearly
• Turn off your phone

Interview do's and don't's

Do:

• Dress smartly, look bright and attentive, and speak clearly and confidently. First impressions really do count.
• Research the role and organisation.
• Prepare examples of your skills and competencies.
• Find out where the venue is beforehand, how to get there and how long it takes.
• Get your outfit ready the night before.
• Take your time when answering the questions: make sure you understand the question and take your time if you need to think.
• Quote real answers of when you have used certain skills - just saying you have got skills isn't enough.
• Prepare some questions to ask at the end of the interview - use it as an opportunity to find out more about the company and the role.

Don't:

• Be late.
• Swear or use slang words.
• Slouch in your seat or do anything that makes you look uninterested.
• Lie - the interviewer may see through you. Even if you get the job, your employer can dismiss you if they find out you have not been honest.
• Let your nerves show too much; a few nerves are normal but extreme nerves will affect your performance. Use breathing techniques and try to remember that it's not a life and death situation.
• Be arrogant and assume you've got the job. Nothing turns employers off more than someone who is disrespectful and over-confident.
• Argue with the interviewer, no matter what. Remember to keep things positive!