Tips - Applying for an apprenticeship
Many apprenticeships are in big demand so don't assume that you'll definitely get the apprenticeship you're after. Here are some top tips to help you.
Tips for applying
Concentrate on the application
Apprenticeship vacancies often attract high numbers of applicants. Your application needs to stand out – but for the right reasons. Before submitting any application, make sure that you check what you have written carefully as spelling mistakes or poor punctuation could quickly mark you out, but for all the wrong reasons.
Include all your details
There is nothing more frustrating for an employer than receiving a promising application that does not include relevant contact details. Make sure that your phone number is on every application, and that it is stored on your profile on the gov.uk site’s ‘find an apprenticeship’ service.
Be realistic
Although apprenticeships are a great way of learning new things, vacancies will often require you to have a range of existing skills. Make sure that you are honest in your applications. If a vacancy is completely outside your skill set, it is probably not worth applying. Don’t panic – something suitable will turn up!
Sell yourself
Play on your strengths in your application. What is it that makes you unique? Why are you the best suited person to this role? Make sure you explain why you are interested in the role, and how you think you can contribute to the company and what skills you have. Complete your Careerpilot Skills Profile to find out what skills you have already, this will help you have evidence of your skills for applications. In the Skills Profile you can look up the skills needed in a specific job, so you can make sure you mention relevant skills. Look in detail at the vacancy information so you can match your skills and experience to what they are looking for.
Think about contact methods
Think about how an employer might contact you. If you are providing an email address, consider setting one up that is just your name. Novelty email addresses look unprofessional and will cast your application in a poor light. Similarly, make sure that you have an appropriate message on your voicemail. Also if you have submitted an application it is likely that an employer will phone you up so make sure you answer your phone, check messages and return calls.
Think about how you use social networking sites
Social media sites are not just used by you and your friends. Employers use social networking information to screen job applicants. Research shows that young people aged 16-24 sometimes lose potential job offers because of comments or pictures on their online and social media profiles. Make sure you set relevant privacy settings on your social media sites and think carefully about what you post publicly.
Get help to write an apprenticeship application
Follow this link to the Gov.uk site to download a guide to apprenticeship applications.