Tips to Help You Prepare for the Apprenticeship Interview

The apprentice interview is an important step in the apprenticeship application process, and preparation now can go a long way towards ensuring you’re ready for a successful interview.

The apprenticeship interview is a panel interview. Performance in the interview will help determine your rank in the list of potential apprentices.

Our Top 7 Tips to Prepare for the Apprenticeship Interview

1. Organize your answers for maximum impact.

The questions you will be asked during your interview will vary, but your responses should have a similar format no matter what the question is. Most of the questions will refer to your own real life experiences ; your answers should reflect what you did, and (this is the important part!) what the result was.

Here’s a visual representation of your answer format:

S + A = R
Situation + Your Action = The Result

2. Prepare ahead of time by reviewing your work experience.

The interview questions will focus primarily on how you’ve handled situations that can translate to success on the job. You can help get this information fresh in your head by writing down a list of jobs, school projects, sports and extracurricular activities that you’ve been involved in. Think about some of the challenges you faced during these activities as well as things you’re proud of.

3. Practice your interviewing skills!

Interviews can be nerve-wracking, but you’ll give yourself your best chance of success by fully preparing. Enlist the help of family or friends to conduct “mock” interviews to help you get your thoughts organized and your answers polished.

4. Get some sleep.

It’s natural to experience a few pre-interview nerves, but it’s important to remember that one of the best ways you can stay healthy, alert, and prepared is to ensure you get enough sleep leading up to the interview (catch up on tips for better sleep here).

5. Dress for success.

First impressions matter, and this goes for your interview as well. No, you don’t have to show up in a suit and tie but it is appropriate to wear a dress shirt and make sure you are well groomed for the big event.

6. BE ON TIME.

One of the most important things you can do to make a good impression is to be on time for your interview! Be sure you leave yourself plenty of time to get to the interview (and a little extra time to calm those nerves!)

7. Do your best to reduce fidgeting during the interview.

Not always as easy as it sounds, but part of having a successful interview is showing confidence, and nothing ruins that faster than nervous fidgeting! Do your best to keep hands and feet still. Maintain eye contact with interviewers and keep your voice calm and loud enough to hear well.

Get more information about preparing for application to a NECA-IBEW Apprenticeship.