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CV:

Typical Things to Include on a CV:

  • Contact details (eg. Name, address, telephone number and email address)

  • A short personal profile that introduces you

  • Work and education history

  • Achievements and skills, with example and explaining how they make you a good candidate 

 

A Cover Letter should accompany the CV. It is a short letter that introduces the applicant and explains why they are suited to the job.

COVER LETTER:

To write a cover letter you should:

  • Research the company and demonstrate how you are suitable for the job by using the skills they specifically ask for

  • Write a new cover letter for each application to ensure its targeted to the job

  • Use the same font, style and format as your CV to link them together

  • Ensure the company name and recruiter detail are correct

  • Use the right language and tone but keep it professional

  • Be clear and concise 

  • Back up any statement you make with evidence

  • Double check spelling and grammar

  • Keep a copy for reference if you go onto the interview stage

For more information on writing CVs and Cover Letters look at these websites:

National Careers - Getting a Job

Milkround - how to write a graduate CV

Indeed - CV template

Indeed - how to write a cover letter, with examples

Prospects - how to write a cover letter, with an example

Some apprenticeships may also require a personal statement. Check out our university section for guidance on how to write one.

Online Test Practice

Aptitude Tests

When finding the right apprentice for an apprenticeship, employers will typically use a selection process that incorporates aptitude tests which are designed to assess intelligence, knowledge and skills. The most commonly used aptitude tests are numerical aptitude, verbal aptitude and abstract reasoning. Click here for more knowledge on aptitude tests. 

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Practice Aptitude Tests

 

Specific component aptitude tests:

numerical reasoning tests

verbal reasoning tests

diagrammatic reasoning tests

situational judgement tests 

mechanical reasoning tests 

personality tests

 

General aptitude tests:

https://www.edeta.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/APPRENTICE_APTITUDE_TEST_MOCK_PAPERNEW_.pdf

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https://www.jobtestprep.com/trade-apprenticeship-exam-sample-questions

https://www.jobtestprep.co.uk/free-aptitude-test?

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Interview Tips

1. Confirming the Interview

You will be contacted to let you know you have an interview, remember this is part of the interview process.

  • Be polite and professional

  • Understand what the interview entails

  • Confirm your attendance to the interview

  • Ask if you need to bring supporting documentation 

  • Ask clarification questions like; ‘Where is it?’

4. Dress Standards

What you wear is incredibly important – you don’t want to be a fashion model, but you want to show you’ve tried.

  • Dress appropriately for the interview

  • If the business is casual, make sure you present yourself in a smart-casual manner

  • Avoid strong perfume or aftershave

  • Avoid inappropriate clothing that may offend or shock

​7. During the interview

  • Have a copy of your CV to hand in 

  • Know your CV well and refer back to it 

10. Say Thank You!

  • Remember to be polite

 2. Preparation and Research

Your interviewer wants to know that you want to work for them, so knowing about the company could be the difference between getting the job or not.

  • Research the company, the job description and your interviewer

  • Prepare questions you may wish to ask the interviewers

  • Practise answering questions with other

5. First impressions

Even the person collecting you from reception is important. 

  • Smile at everyone you see to show that you’re welcoming.

  • Shake hands with the interviewers when you first meet (Be aware of your handshake. Not too firm or too weak.  Practice with others)

  • Stand tall and exhibit positive, confident body language

8. Conduct 

  • Be clear and concise 

  • Be confident and positive 

  • Engage with employers 

3. Planning Your Journey

It may sound overly basic, but you need to know where you’re going and what the traffic could be like

  • Research your journey to the interview location

  • Allow for unexpected delays

  • Do a ‘dummy-run’ of the journey ahead of the day, at the time of the interview

  • Plan to arrive 10-15 minutes ahead of your interview time

6. Listen

  • Think about your answers and what you’re being asked 

  • Actively listen 

  • If you don’t understand the question, ask 

9. Feedback 

  • Ask for feedback as to why you were successful or not 

  • Take unsuccessful feedback professionally 

  • Take time to reflect 

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