Online test support

Employers often use psychometric cognitive testing to assess certain skills during the application process, the format is commonly multiple-choice answers.

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Student
Interview tips
Written tasks
Assessment centres
Apprentice careers
Why apply
Some examples include:

Numerical reasoning

Tests your ability to make conclusions from numerical data in the form of charts and tables.

Inductive reasoning

Tests your ability to make generalisations with the use of specific observations, this often involves analysing patterns and diagrams.

Deductive reasoning

Tests your ability to deduce logical and accurate conclusions from the provided ideas.

Verbal reasoning

Tests your ability to interpret and draw logical inferences based on given text.
Testing tips:
Start here
Practice in advance
Keep track of time
Special adjustments
Take your time

Interview tips

Employers may use pre-recorded video interviews, telephone and virtual face-to-face interviews during the earlier assessment stages.

Set up and presentation

Make sure you are in a comfortable room free from distractions, with good internet connection.
Tips to perform well
Set up and presentation

Make sure you are in a comfortable room free from distractions, with good internet connection.

Preparation

Some simple things to prepare in advance would be your motivation to join the company and to start the role and describing your experience to date.

Practice

Some employers may provide the questions beforehand, if this is the case, make sure to rehearse what you would like to cover and get feedback from your peers. If the questions are not provided in advance, use the thinking time to make notes on what you would like to cover in the set time frame.

Body language and intonation

Employers are not engaged if you are reading from a screen. Remember to use strong expressive body language, make as much eye contact with the camera lens as possible and present your points slowly, calmy and in an enthusiastic manner.

Dress professionally

First impressions are everything, make sure to dress in a presentable manner. If you look the part, you will feel the part!

Time management

Keep an eye on the time limit as you should avoid having your answers cut off mid-way through your sentence. Practicing in advance will support you with nailing this!

Questions

Have some questions prepared for your interviewer to show your curiosity and genuine interest in the opportunity.

Company and Role Research

Conduct in-depth research into the company and the role to demonstrate why you would like to join their team. Try to research further than the job description to show that you have gone the extra mile.

Competencies

Identify the key skills required to this role and prepare answers where you have shown those skills via your experiences.

Written tasks tips

Written answer application questions often differ from employer to employer so it’s important to understand that one approach does not fit all but here are a few tips to support you.
Research
You must research the company and role that you are applying for to demonstrate your genuine interest in this industry. As well as, identifying the skills that are critical for this role.
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Experience
Where possible, draw on as many experiences as possible, this may be work experience (part time and full time), volunteering, hobbies and extracurriculars, etc.
Spelling and grammar
We recommend answering your questions on a separate document which allows spell check. It’s important to proofread answers especially when copying and pasting on an application form.
Structure
It is important to have a clear logical flow to your responses. We recommend having a clear introduction, middle and summary section where you avoid repetition in multiple sections.

Final stage assessment centres and face-to-face interview tips

General tips:
Rest

Make sure you are well rested, and you are refreshed and have eaten so that you can be at your best

Arrive early

Arrive early to avoid any delays with travel or technology

Dress to impress

Dress to impress – smarter the better during first impressions

If virtual

If virtual – check all your technology in advance and have headphones nearby

Stay calm

Nerves - are normal but remember you have done an excellent job to make it this far and this is your final chance to impress the team

What is involved in an assessment centre?
Assessment centres vary in length and the type of exercises that the employer would like to assess. An example assessment centre day could look like the following:
09:00 – 10:00
Introduction and Icebreaker
10:00 – 11:00
Group Task
11:00 – 11:15
Break
11:15 – 11:45
Presentations
11:45 – 12:30
Testing session
12:30 – 1:15
Lunch
1:15 – 2:00
Interviews
2:00 – 2:45
Q&A informal session
2:45 – 3:00
Goodbye and wrap up
How to prepare for interview questions?

You must prepare detailed and researched answers for the following questions:


  • Why you want to work for the company and why are you interested in this industry?
  • Why you want this role in particular, what selling points are attractive to you?
  • Why you think you’d be well suited to it?
    • a. What relevant skills you have?
    • b. What questions you are going to ask them at the end of the interview?
Interview Structure and Tips
Remember when you answer competency-based questions (could you give me an example of a time when…), you should use the STAR method.
Situation
Set the context of the situation you were in. Don’t panic, 
set the scene properly. Where were you, who were you with?
Task
What were you doing; what was the problem?
Action
What did you do? Take ownership of the action or idea you had. 
You must focus on your actions, not those of someone else.
Result
What was the outcome of your action? Can either be a success or a learning point. Careful not to lay fault with other people. This is about you, not about blaming who you’re with!



Think about your work experience, campus involvement, society work, sporting achievements and anything that is relevant.


Make sure you ask lots of questions, engage in conversation, 
are enthusiastic and ensure your determination to get the role. 
Be nice, polite and friendly!
General tips:
Group tasks assess your teamwork skills. While completing the task well is important, collaboration is the priority. They often evaluate the following:
Collaboration
Teamwork
Listening
Problem solving
Resilience
Communication
Emotional intelligence
Respect for others
Confidence
Influencing skills
Career options for Apprentices
Apprenticeships are a great way to gain professional experience and qualifications directly after school or sixth form. Many students who are unsure about university may find apprenticeships an excellent alternative. You can start an apprenticeship at any age, provided you're satisfied with the level and salary. 



Apprenticeships let you learn, develop, and earn a competitive salary, making them a valuable option.
Why students choose apprenticeships?
  1. Gain professional qualifications and many firms give time off to study.
  2. Build your professional network
  3. Gain real practical work experience
  4. You are paid to learn

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The average salary for apprentices in the UK is £22,000 in 2023/24, however this will vary between different companies, sectors and regionally.

What sector are you interested in?
There are many apprenticeships available in different sectors and it is useful to conduct some research to find out what industries might pique your interest. Popular sectors for apprentices include:
Insurance
Investment
Business
Digital and Technology
Education
Transport and logistics
Engineering and manufacturing
Health and science
Legal
Financial services
Sales, marketing and procurement
What are the different types of apprenticeships?
.
Level
Educational Level Equivalent
.
Intermediate
2
GCSE
Provides basic knowledge and skills for specific jobs
Advanced
3
A Level
Provide more specialised knowledge and skills
Higher
4, 5, 6 and 7
Foundation degree and above
Focus on higher-level professional skills
Degree
6 & 7
Bachelors or Master’s degree
These programmes lead to a full degree. You will need to meet the academic UCAS requirements to apply for these roles.
Why apply through Sanctuary Graduates?
We help thousands of school leavers, and sixth form/college leavers find their dream careers. Recruiting for roles within various sectors and roles, we are confident that we will have an opportunity that is right for you.


When you apply through us, you will have a supporting Account Manager who will guide you and support you throughout the application process. We are aware that this might be your first time completing an application which can be nerve wrecking and therefore we will guide and support you throughout the application process, particularly when it comes to interviews and assessment centres.
I applied for a Claims Apprenticeship role with a re-insurance company. I was offered the role, and I accepted this apprenticeship. I had an amazing experience with Sanctuary Graduates, I was supported in every step of the application process. I was even given detailed advice on how to approach an assessment centre, which I found was extremely helpful as this was my first ever assessment centre. I was really well looked after during the process. I would frequently receive emails from Sanctuary Graduates offering their support and guiding me through the process, whilst answering any questions I may have had.

Sanctuary Graduates

I applied to be a finance apprentice and was successful in securing the position. My experience with the team was very positive; they were easy to contact, and their clear guidance made the application process much easier. I felt well looked after throughout - they were extremely encouraging and supportive throughout the whole process!

Sanctuary Graduates

I applied for the Operations apprenticeship with via Sanctuary Graduates, my application process was a smooth and easy experience. Sanctuary Graduates were reliable and I am very grateful for Georgia who was quick in answering every question I had. Overall, the team were efficient and friendly - I thoroughly enjoyed my experience with them. They allowed me to successfully gain my apprenticeship.

Sanctuary Graduates