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Interview preparation

You've heard the saying - you never get a second chance to create a first impression.  Well it's true!

Being prepared, understanding the different stages and methods of interview, and anticipating the interview environment are vital if you want to do well in your interview.

With the right preparation and research, you will be more confident and find it easier to answer questions - and the questions you ask will be more relevant!

The interview stages

Your initial interview may be done over the telephone, using facetime, on Skype, or face-to-face.  However it happens, it will be done by someone from the TrAC apprentice management team, or by our CITB co-ordinator who helps us find apprentice candidates for some of the jobs that we have available.

After your first interview if we think you will make a good construction apprentice, you will be considered for one of our apprenticeship vacancies, or we may put your details forward to one or more of the construction companies that we work with. You may then be invited to attend a face-to-face interview with someone from a construction company.  Don’t worry, someone from TrAC will attend with you.

Regardless of whether you are interviewed by TrAC, CITB, a construction company, or a combination of these, it’s important that you do some preparation.

Before the interview - prepare well

There are some basics things you should do before your interview:

  • Find out as much as you can about TrAC
  • Check your invitation to interview - do you know where you are going and how to get there?
  • Who is on the interview panel and what are their roles?
  • Read the apprenticeship description and the original job advert if you applied in response to one
  • Identify some likely interview questions

 

Prepare and practice answering questions either with friends or family, or on your own, out loud in the mirror. This will help you assess your experience and give you confidence on the day.  Think about what qualities you could bring to the role, relating to your skills and experience (i.e. playing sport might demonstrate team work).

Identify some questions to ask at the end.  Ask two, but prepare three or four in case some have been raised already.

Creating the right impression

Think about what you are going to wear - your clothes should be ironed and clean and so should shoes - prepare these and any documentation the night before.

Plan all travel arrangements beforehand and do a practice run in advance if possible.  On the day of your interview leave plenty of time for the journey and plan to arrive for your interview slightly early.

Get a good night’s sleep - don’t be preparing into the night, and eat a sensible breakfast or lunch depending on what time of day your interview will take place.

Top tips for the best interview experience

  • Turn your mobile phone off / to silent
  • Talk naturally and stay calm, friendly and focused
  • Get across key skills such as honesty, reliability and communication
  • Good people skills are important too – ask yourself, can you work well in a team?
  • Demonstrate your experience and remember to focus on the contribution you will make

Top tips for the best interview experience

  • Know your strenghts and weaknesses and present both positively
  • Don’t be negative about previous experiences
  • Take time to consider a question before answering
  • Don't try to anticipate everything
  • Relax and admit when you don’t know the answer to something
  • At the end of the interview smile and say thankyou

 

 

We want you to do well at your interview and we want to help you find the apprenticeship that is right for you.

If you have any questions or would just like to talk to us about your interview in advance, please get in touch.

Ready to apply? click here

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Address
Building 262B, Scottow Enterprise Park, Lamas Road, Badersfield, Scottow, NR10 5FB
Phone
01603 737739
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