interview questions???

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samlear

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Hi all, soon i am going for an interview with an employer to start my apprenticeship. What questions shall i expect and any ideas of good answers recommended to include???

Thanks guys!

 
It depends to a huge amount on the person giving the interview. An 'interview' can range from a chat over a cup of coffee to sitting in front of a panel assembled to appoint you.

What is the job? If it's a small company they are most likely assessing your personality and whether you'll fit in with the team. Remember you are been judged on everything you do/say/don't say so conduct yourself well!

 
Sam, for everyone else's benifit I am going to repost your semi introduction :

Hello, my names Sam and im 18 years old and doing my 'A levels' in my final year, at the 'Long eaton sixth form' in Nottingham. I am hoping to start an 'Advanced Apprenticeship' with JTL, although the place is adament on attaining an employer before comencing with the scheme. JTL fund for the college side of the apprenticeship, and also contribute with wages for the employment. I live in Long Eaton, which is situated between Nottingham and Derby so commuting around the area won't be a problem. Although being a full time student i am happy to do work experience with an employer before starting my 'Apprenticeship', to show my capabilities; and a CV can be sent with all my qualifications. Im new to this site so if you are interested or may know someone who may be, please feel free to contact me on:[email protected]

For any further information.

Kind regards, Sam.
Might be an idea to remove 'NICEIC DI' from under your name ;)

Go to the into section and introduce yourself properly.

:D

 
Hi Sam,

Just be yourself, be polite, don't swear, be presentable, early for the interview (5-10mins).

If they have a website, look at it and try to remember some info about the company because you'll probably be asked, "So what do you know about us?"

If they don't have a website, maybe ask around. If still no info, 'improvise' so when they ask, "So what do you know about us?" you'll reply, "I've heard that you're a good company to be employed with and the general concensus is that you have a good reputation"

Maybe ask them what scope of work do they cover? Is it industrial, commercial, agricultural, domestic? Which field do they cover the most in generally?

If they ask you why you want to become an electrician, what will you say?

It's nothing too taxing, just show willingness, be alert, sit up straight, seem like you WANT to be there and that you WANT to learn.

Either way, let us know how you get on please.

Good luck!

 
don't pick your nose and don't text your mates during the interview

7th April 2010 18:12

Brilliant. Maybe leave the hoody at home too. ;)

But seriously, employers don't want somebody who won't be on the team. Which means that, as an apprentice, you'll have to do every crappy job under the sun. And come back in the next day for more. We've just lost two apprentices. One in his 3rd year who's left us for another job, and good luck to him, great worker and keen to learn. The other was binned because of the wrong attitude. The really strange thing is, they're brothers!

If you mention that you're already on sparky internet forums, you'll probably get a brownie point or two. So give a big smile and let them know you're keen on learning the trade.

Best of luck.

 
as stated previously...have some answers ready.... but the only question you need to ASK at an interview is,

"when do i start ?"

it says everything to an interviewer... makes you look keen, focused ,eager to please, motivated etc.... (as long as your ipods turned down low.)

 
as stated previously...have some answers ready.... but the only question you need to ASK at an interview is,"when do i start ?"

it says everything to an interviewer... makes you look keen, focused ,eager to please, motivated etc.... (as long as your ipods turned down low.)
I don't think I would take anybody on saying that it would really put me off and that they are far to cocky to take on.

 
I don't think I would take anybody on saying that it would really put me off and that they are far to cocky to take on.
Bit harsh isn't it?

 
i thought so bane... but i let it go...lol

that line always worked for me... :Blushing

 
According to professional recruiters & consultants, you should always ask for the job at the end of an interview but possibly a little better phrased.

 
Thanks for the help guys, i am nervous for it because i have to go to the head office in leicester so im unsure what to expect :\ and i really want them to employ me! and dont worry ill be in a shirt without my ipod and my phone on silent......plus im not much of a nose picker anyway :p

 
Bane, for the question why do you want to become an electrician what do you think to this answer - ive always been interested in the trade as i like all things electrical and technical, and thrive of the hands on appraoch of the trade as im a hands on practical person. Ive always wanted a job were i can see the work im doing and the outcome to my work, as it gives me a massive sense of achievment. Also i believe the carreer will take me many places in the future as electrics will become a massive factor in years to come in all life commercial, industrial and life aspects.

I want to say how the carreer can take you many places such as working abroad, beacoming a site manager and self reovating houses. but feel it may be a bad idea to seem too ambitious as they dont want somone who will ****** off after being qualified.... any ideas?

Thanks! :)

P.S. sorry i dont know how to quote your message :|

 
Last edited by a moderator:
Bane, for the question why do you want to become an electrician what do you think to this answer - ive always been interested in the trade as i like all things electrical and technical, and thrive of the hands on appraoch of the trade as im a hands on practical person. Ive always wanted a job were i can see the work im doing and the outcome to my work, as it gives me a massive sense of achievment. Also i believe the carreer will take me many places in the future as electrics will become a massive factor in years to come in all life commercial, industrial and life aspects.I want to say how the carreer can take you many places such as working abroad, beacoming a site manager and self reovating houses. but feel it may be a bad idea to seem too ambitious as they dont want somone who will ****** off after being qualified.... any ideas?

Thanks! :)

P.S. sorry i dont know how to quote your message :|
I can only speak for what myself as to what my opinion would be as an answer to, "Why do you want to become an electrician" but...

Spot on Samlear! Works for me. I don't necessarily think it's a bad thing to mention how there is such diversity in this field of work nor the numerous different career paths you could take. To me, personally, I feel you're showing awareness of the various options/paths open to you and that you're a forward thinking individual with a wide vision of scope who doesn't have 'tunnel vision' and is only focused on the fact, "I want to be an electrician".

But hey, this is just my opinion, no doubt there are others who'd disagree but, at the end of the day Samlear, you're offered advice/opinions, it's upto you what you take on board or discard!

Don't get yourself all worked up about it. They're obviously interested in you, hence the reason you've got an interview. If you want it as much as you sound like you do, that'll come across in the interview. Just stay calm, talk slowly and clearly, be presentable and if they ask you if you'd like a drink, ask for a glass of water even if you don't want one at the time because your mouth will probably become a little dry throughout the interview.

Please do stay in touch and keep me/us informed of your progress!

Hope this has helped.

PS: When you read my post (or anyones) look in the bottom right and you'll see three options:

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Thanks

Just click on quote, and go from there. Sorry, not very good at explanations on these types of things!

 
Reading this thread I think somethings been missed...

If they ask you something like "what do you think is the most important aspect of electrical contracting?"

The answer is SAFETY... ensuring that safe working practices are followed and that every job you do is safe for your customers.

Depending on the size of the company you are applying to it might be worth adding that you are interested in AV, home automation & renewable energy sources... if you can fit it in that is

 
Happy to say guys that the interview went great and two days later they phoned me telling me that i had the job :D And i start in september so if anyone has any advice ill be more than happy to take it on board!!!

 
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