Finding a company that’s the right fit for you can have a massive impact on your apprenticeship or traineeship. If there are opportunities available after you’ve earned your qualification, you may even decide to stay on with your current employer if the placement went particularly well.
It’s therefore crucial to do everything you can to secure an apprenticeship or traineeship if you spot a position that excites you. This means you’ll need to research the company extensively so that you can impress in the interview stages.
For those still looking for the right apprenticeship or traineeship, Apprenticeship Central’s search function can help you identify employers who are taking on applicants in your area. When you register with the site, you can upload your resume and contact businesses directly when you see a vacancy suited to your skills and personality.
Recent analysis from Hays Australia found jobseekers who don’t research a company beforehand are putting themselves at a serious disadvantage when applying for a role.
Nick Deligiannis, Managing Director of Hays in Australia and New Zealand, said reading up on an organisation used to make an individual stand out from the competition, but now it’s an expected part of the recruitment process.
“Not researching the organisation and interviewer sees you stand out for all the wrong reasons,” he explained. “In our information and social media age, where information is so readily available, there’s really no excuse for not doing your homework.”
Using social media
Hays offered a number of tips on how to research an employer online. The recruitment firm advised people to begin their search on social media by checking the LinkedIn pages for the interviewer and the company.
Liking the organisation’s Facebook page and following their Twitter account will also keep you up to date on any recent developments. A quick Google search may also provide more information on what your prospective employer has been doing over the last few months.
Lastly, the business’s website should give details about its history, products, services and culture, enabling you to tailor your answers in a job interview.
“Use the information you uncovered to prepare appropriate examples of your work, previous performance and way you work that show your interviewer you are the very best fit for the organisation and role,” Mr Deligiannis said.
These tips should help you improve your chances of getting an apprenticeship or traineeship job interview right, allowing you to take the first step down the path of a new career.
