Top 10 tips to get the job

1. Get some experience

The saying “It’s not what you know, it’s who you know” isn’t always true. Experience, even if it’s voluntary, will stand out. Taking the time to gain some work experience within accounting roles, before applying for an apprenticeship, will show employers that you’re committed and dedicated. It will also give you something to talk about during interviews.

A great way of finding out whether you like a particular industry or role is by doing maternity cover. You’ll be able to learn and improve your CV in the process. If you love the role and make an impact, your employer may find a more permanent role for you.

2. Create a skills CV

Some of the most valuable skills in the workplace include the ability to communicate and work independently, and you’d be wrong to think you can only gain these through employment.

If you’ve been involved in a club or group, you’re a member of a school or sports team or you’ve achieved academic awards, these will have given you the opportunity to gain skills in areas such as communication, problem solving, responsibility, independent thought and teamwork, all of which are skills employers look for, so be sure to include them on your CV.

Soft skills like communication, working well in a team, and good time management should also be highlighted in your application letter. Give strong examples of these skills, they may be skills you take for granted, but if you don’t highlight that you have them, the recruiters won’t know.

3. Don’t be generic

While it might seem easy to create just one CV for all your applications, this isn’t the best approach. Each apprenticeship role will have different requirements and criteria. Tailoring your CV so you prioritise your experience and or skills to match these will show prospective employers that you’ve put some time and effort into your application.

A job advert will usually include a list of duties or responsibilities and requirements of the successful candidate. Read these and ensure that your CV highlights these points.

4. Do your research

Take the time to research the companies you’re applying to. Whether it’s the company website or their social channels, it’s easy to find out information. Not only can this help with tailoring your CV, but it will give you information on their culture and values, possible future opportunities, and what it’s like to work for them.

5. Check, check and check again

Accounting roles require a high attention to detail, so it’s really important that you check your application before submitting it. Spelling mistakes and silly errors can make your application look rushed and sloppy, putting potential employers off. So be sure to double check your application, and also get someone else to check it for you.

6. Ace the interview

Interviews can be nerve-racking, even for the most experienced person. Employers are looking for apprentices who are hardworking, enthusiastic, proactive and prepared to work hard to achieve success, so be sure to demonstrate this in your interview.

7. Do more research

You’ll have already done some for your application but dig a little deeper. Look at companies they might also be connected to/work with, this will give you the edge. Also be sure to look at the company’s mission and values, are they similar to yours? You’ll find it easier to fit into a company if you believe in their values.

8. Be prepared

Spend some time reading back over your application, remind yourself of the specific requirements for the role and what you included on your CV. That way you’ll be able to talk about these confidently during the interview.

9. On the day

Don’t be late, consider the route you need to take and how you’re going to get there. Be sure to give yourself a little extra time in case you get stuck in traffic. Don’t forget, first impressions count, so dress to impress. If you’re unsure of the company’s dress code, it’s always best to go for a more formal look. Your interview might be online, if so, it’s still really important to be prepared, make sure you’ve got a good internet connection and your camera is working. Try and find somewhere quiet, a busy coffee shop is not going to help you to focus. And remember, first impressions count even if they are over a screen, so be sure to still dress smartly.

10. Keep calm

That way you’ll be able to communicate effectively. Being able to communicate is a critical skill for any role, so the calmer you are the easier it will be for you to consider the questions asked and provide answers.

With so much competition for apprenticeships there’s a chance that you might not be successful in your first attempt, and maybe even in your second. Being turned down for a role is never fun, but it’s how you deal with it that counts.

The first practical thing to do would be to ask for feedback, this can give you areas to work on ahead of your next interview.

Think about it as an opportunity, quite often you’ll be asked the same, or similar, questions at interviews. Make a note of the questions you were asked and think carefully about how you might answer them in line with the requirements of other jobs you’re applying for.

The most important thing is not to give up. Stay on track, keep motivated and keep applying for roles. It can be a long process, but you’ll get there in the end it’ll be worth it.