Preparing for an interview will give you higher chances of being successful.
Bear in mind that hiring an apprentice must be a worthwhile investment for nurseries, delivering clear value. Therefore, you need to stand out by showcasing what you can offer and demonstrating why investing in you and your course will be beneficial for the nursery.
Here's a comprehensive guide to help you get ready and get the best results:
Research the Nursery
- Understand the Nurseries Mission and Values: Visit the nurseries website to learn about their mission statement and values. This will help you align your responses with the nurseries ethos.
- Familiarise Yourself with the Curriculum: Know the specifics of the curriculum they follow, including any unique programs or approaches they use. For example, are they a forest school or do they follow a Montessori approach.
- Learn About the Community: Understand the demographic and cultural background of the student population and the local community. This can help you tailor your answers to demonstrate your awareness and readiness to work within that context.
Review Common Interview Questions
Please review our document with interview questions.
Prepare Your Own Questions
Prepare thoughtful questions to ask the interviewers. This demonstrates your interest in the position and the school. Examples include:
- What professional development opportunities are available?
- Can you tell me more about the team I will be working with?
- How does the school support new apprentices?
Gather Your Documents
Ensure you have all necessary documents organised and ready to bring with you at your interview:
- Enhanced DBS (if you have one)
- 2 forms of Photo ID
- Best Practice CV
- References
Plan Your Outfit
Choose professional attire that is comfortable and appropriate for an educational setting. Ensure it is clean and neatly pressed. Bear in mind, if you are completing a work trial in the room, you would want to be comfortable also.
Practice Your Responses
Mock Interviews: Conduct mock interviews with friends, family, or colleagues to practice your responses and get feedback.
Reflect on Your Experience and Goals
Think about any experience you have had working with or looking after children. Use this experience to plan answers to your interview questions and reflect on your career goals.
Logistics and Final Preparations
- Interview Details: If we are arranging the interview we will Confirm the date, time, and location of the interview. We will also inform you of the names and positions of the interviewers if possible. If you are arranging, it make sure you have all the details you need from the nursery.
- Travel Plans: Plan your route and allow extra time for travel to ensure you arrive early.
- Supplies: Bring a notebook and pen for taking notes during the interview if needed