Are you planning on starting an apprenticeship? It may be one of the most rewarding things you ever do. Apprenticeships are an amazing way to gain hands-on work experience while gaining employment in a field you love. While different apprenticeships and employers have different application requirements, there are a few things that can help you get you through the door.
If you’re in the process of applying for an apprenticeship, there are a few general tips that can help you make the most out of your application.
Unless you’re told specifically not to include a cover letter, always include one as a caution. Cover letters give you the opportunity to stand out from the crowd, helping you to highlight your attributes and ambitions. Your cover letter should firstly explain your interest in the job, detailing your enthusiasm surrounding your suitability. Perhaps you are about to complete a pre-apprenticeship in this field? This is definitely something you should include.
When writing a cover letter you should also encourage the reader to look at your resume, hinting at some of the highlights and most impressive things on there. Plenty of cover letter samples can be found online, however, the best ones are those that are unique and individual to you and your experiences.
When writing a resume be prepared to explain in detail the qualities and experience that would make you perfectly suited to the job. Any subjects at school that relate to the industry should be included, as well as any relevant work experience. If you don’t have any experience, it helps to include any school, community or sporting achievements that you have been involved in instead.
From the moment you begin your application, it is important to retain the utmost professionalism to your potential employers. You don’t get another chance to make a good first impression, so when you make contact with any apprenticeship provider, ensure you are polite and well spoken.
With any role you are applying for, it’s important to take time and research the company you are applying to. Check out their website, as well as their social media presence. This will give you a good indication of the company culture and the vision of the company, helping you better prepare for any correspondence you have with them. It will also give you the chance to prepare for your application, giving you greater insight as to how you can see your skills directly applied there.
A referee or reference is someone who knows you in a personal or professional capacity that can be contacted by an employer to discuss your suitability for an apprenticeship. They include a glowing recommendation as to your skills, attributes and all the positive things that would come with hiring you. Common references include a friend of the family, teacher, coach or your current employer.
References typically come in the form of a written letter, signed to be included as part of your application. They can also be provided upon request from your potential employer.
If your application is successful, you will hopefully be called for an interview. If this step occurs, to give yourself the best chance in a job interview, you need to be prepared. A job interview is your chance to take yourself from being impressive on paper to in person, proving that you are worth the time and money of someone who is an expert at what they do.
Preparing for an interview can come in a lot of forms. Firstly, you should research the company you are interviewing for, brushing up on the ‘about us’ section of their website. You also need to think about why you’re the right person for the job, ready to sell them of all your enthusiasm for the position and the industry. You should appear eager to learn and grateful for the time they have given up.
Above all, it’s important to be yourself. Most employers will be aware of your situation, and the fact that this may be your first step into the professional world. They won’t expect you to be an expert already, so ensure you make up for your potential lack of experience with enthusiasm. This will help you find an employer that is the right fit for you, as well as helping you to understand what is expected of you from the get-go.
