Lessons from The Apprentice: how to nail your upcoming interview

A recent episode of The Apprentice tackled the expanding market of Artificial Intelligence with the candidates tasked to sell robotic products. The programme has been on our screens for 12 years and the penultimate challenge that the candidates face, the infamous interview stage, is considered a fan favourite. Essentially The Apprentice is a game show, not rooted in the experience or reality of an actual recruitment process. The interviews are constructed for entertainment purposes and are intended to be as brutal as possible, but, does that mean that they resemble fiction and fiction alone? In an interview with BBC’s newsbeat, chief interrogator and Lord Sugar’s right-hand man Claude Littner identifies some key interview considerations. Here are our meditations on his advice…

The basics are important

Time keeping is essential. It’s not just about turning up late- allow yourself plenty of time to arrive. Those extra minutes can work wonders when ensuring that you are in the correct space mentally. Time can help to process any nerves, allow you to go through any final rehearsals, and enable you to reflect and relax before the interview begins.

The second thing to note is research- a crucial part of interview preparation. Researching the firm or business shows that you are proactive in your approach and can demonstrate your commitment in making a career move, more specifically, your interest in making a move to their company. As a standard, it is expected that you have at least conducted a simple online search and have followed any current news on the company. Research can also highlight any preliminary issues before you get too far down the line, ultimately meaning that in the most extreme circumstances, your time and that of your interviewers is not wasted.

Interviews are relative: take cue from your interviewer

You should get an indicator of formality directly from your interviewer. Claude advises that you shouldn’t be too friendly. Informality is different to personality and you can easily inject this in a professional manner. To make an impression, be honest and be the best version of yourself. 

Additionally, be concise in your answers. Strike the balance between waffle and limited one-word responses. Answer confidentially but more importantly to the best of your ability. It is also key that you avoid being monosyllabic- interviewers are looking for enthusiasm, an indicator of your interest in the job role and business in general.

Don’t rush the process

Claude states that the interview concludes when you leave the room and not when the questions end. Remember to ask any questions you may have, you should be naturally inquisitive of any new environment. Is this a new opportunity to expand or consolidate your skill-set? If yes, how can the firm or business help in your personal development and career progression.

Avoid comparisons to other candidates

This should be about you and how you sell yourself as the number one person for the role. Claude says that it is possible that even if you are rejected initially for the position it does not definitively mean that you are an incorrect fit. Applications are often revisited and circumstances change, so, always try your best no matter who the competition may be.

Read Claude’s interview in full:

http://www.bbc.co.uk/newsbeat/article/41497872/five-things-never-to-say-in-a-job-interview---by-the-apprentices-claude-littner