All apprentices are employees and employers want the best apprentices that they can get, because they are investing in you. You want to not only be the best apprentice that you can then, but also you want to make sure that you make a good impression at your apprenticeship interview.The key to interviewing well and making a good impression is preparation. Trying to think of answers to interview questions on the spot, when you’re nervous is difficult and there’s nothing worse than kicking yourself after the event.Here’s a list of common apprenticeship interview questions to help you prepare.1) Why have you applied for this apprenticeship?The key word here is THIS apprenticeship. They want to know why you want to do an apprenticeship with them in particular. Make sure you do your research so that you can answer the question.2) What do you know about the organisation?Do your research and find out all about them and what they do. Think about how you fit with this and what you can offer the company that others can’t.3) What do you think we look for in an apprentice?Remember, they are not likely to be looking for loads of experience, but they will be looking for specific character traits and attitudes.4) Apprenticeships involve work and study. How will you balance the two?Be prepared for this one. How are you going to do it?5) Where do you see yourself in five years?Probably not a good idea to say that you see yourself doing something totally unrelated to the field of work that the organisation is involved in.6) Can you give us an example of a difficult situation that you have experienced and how you dealt with this?Again, it can be hard to think of an example on the spot, so beforehand consider all the difficult things that you have dealt with and identify one thing, which you cope with really well.7) What would you say makes a good team player?They will be looking for a candidate that can list some key attribute, such as reliability and it’s a good idea to be able to follow these up with a ‘for instance…’ example.8) Can you give us an example of when you have used your initiative either at home, school or work?As with question six, think about perhaps what you’ve had to do for school – maybe you’ve had to use your initiative to complete a project.9) What would your teachers / friends say your strengths / weaknesses are?Be honest but selective with your answer and always follow it up with an explanation of how you are or will deal with this.10) Do you have any questions for us?ALWAYS have one!
