Interview Information & Techniques

Your Interview

Once you have been found a suitable placement it is usual to attend an informal interview with the host company and a third party representative.

A keen and enthusiastic approach to securing your placement and first impressions count. You only get one opportunity to make a first impression, so it is important you make this work for you. If you do this successfully, you will feel confident and be able to enjoy the rest of the interview.

Interview Guidelines and Preparation

• Take care in your appearance
  • be smartly dressed
  • clean and tidy
  • looking good
  • be confident
• Jewellery to be conservative and limited
• If possible, try and find out information about the company- this shows genuine interest in them and their business
• Be prepared to explain why you are interested in the company and the type of work
• Think of possible questions you could ask in the interview- this shows a keen interest that you have thought about the placement. If you wish, prepare a list of questions you would like to take into the interview.
• Gather information to take into the interview that may be of interest to the interviewer i.e National Record of Achievement, certificates/awards, references etc.

Do's and Don'ts

Do

• Smile at people you make contact with
• Greet with a firm handshake
• Be polite and friendly
• Sit upright in the interview
• Speak clearly
• Look and sound both enthusiastic and interested
• Take time answering any questions enabling you to think about what you would like to say
• Ask relevant questions about the company and placement

Don't

• Slouch in the chair
• Fidget
• Chew/eat in the interview
• Speak too quickly

Being Punctual

It's very important that you arrive to commence work at the expected time. This is a necessary requirement of the host company, this shows respect and that you are taking the training opportunity seriously.

Good Attendance

Attending the placement is not an 'option' but a 'requirement', however you are unable to attend due to illness or due to authorised absence/school holidays. This is very important for you to get the most from your training and even more so to be able to obtain a good working reference at the end of the placement, or potentially for you to be considered for employment.

Appropriate Appearance

It is very important that your appearance reflects the working environment and addresses any required dress code, paying particular attention to necessary health and safety wear. It is also important for you to take note of restrictions upon wearing jewellery-generally for your own health and safety, companies will often have guidelines on what is acceptable. Remember, whilst at your placement you will be seen as representing the company and it is important if you want to be taken seriously, you treat it seriously and ENJOY!

Positive Application

Be polite and friendly, show enthusiasm and interest. Having a good approach and showing a keen interest whilst at your placement will make all the difference as to how you are received within the company. This will result in them wanting to give you more time and more training and you will enjoy the placement far more.

Reporting Absences

It is vital that in the event of being unable to attend your training placement or likely to be very late arriving, you or a member of your family, must contact the company concerned, or your school before the expected time of arrival. This is necessary so relevant people are made aware of the situation and they can make alternative arrangements for the days plans. This shows courtesy to the company and more importantly they know not to be concerned about your safety and that no harm has come to you.