CV and Interview Tips for Apprenticeships

When applying for an apprenticeship, your CV and interview are two key opportunities to make a great impression. Whether you’re starting your career, exploring a new sector, or building on existing experience, strong CV writing and confident interview skills can open doors.

Why Your CV Matters

Your CV is often the first impression an employer has of you, and they typically spend just 7 seconds reviewing it. A clear, well-structured CV can highlight your strengths and show why you’re the right fit.

Top CV Tips:

Keep it clean and consistent

Use a clean design with a clear layout. Include essential sections such as:

Name and contact details
Personal summary
Work experience
Education (include dates and qualifications)
Hobbies and interests
References
Aim for two pages or less

Expand on your experience

Don’t just list job titles, explain what you did. Use bullet points to highlight key responsibilities, achievements, and skills gained.

Show your timeline clearly

Include dates for work and education, specifically months and years, and fill any gaps. Employers want to understand your journey.

Show your soft skills

Employers value transferable skills like communication, teamwork, organisation, and initiative. Make sure these come through in your descriptions.

Check for accuracy

Re-read your final version. The biggest frustration for employers can be when candidates say they have attention to detail, but their CV has multiple spelling mistakes or says they are applying for a completely different sector of work.

Tailor your CV

Employer's will see many CVs, so altering your CV to highlight why you are keen on a sector and the day-to-day work undertaken is crucial. The can be included in the personal profile section and highlighting what skills you have that are applicable to your sector of interest.

Don’t use AI

It can be very obvious when AI is used to write the content for a CV. Use AI to help structure a CV, but write the content yourself.

Interviewing | Tips for Success

Interviews are your chance to shine and show your personality. Here are some key tips:

Research the company

Learn about the company, who they are, what they do & stand for, and how they align with your values and goals. Show this knowledge when answering and asking questions.

Make a great first impression

Arrive on time (or a little early), dress appropriately, and introduce yourself confidently with a firm handshake.

Stay positive

Avoid negative language or blaming circumstances beyond your control. Speak respectfully about previous employers/ education.

Build rapport

Connecting with your interviewer can help you stand out. Prepare for small talk and ask thoughtful questions to create a professional yet personal connection.

Be professional throughout

Your interview starts the moment you arrive. Treat everyone you meet with politeness and respect, it all counts.

Avoid clichés

Companies hear phrases like “I work well in a team” all the time. Instead, share specific examples that demonstrate your skills. Prepare examples that show your experience and growth. Use real situations to illustrate your strengths and create a compelling narrative.

These are just some examples of how to enhance your CV writing and interview skills. More resources can be found here: