Junior Content Producer

Level 3

Junior Content is an incredibly creative field, with many employers looking for someone with a Graphic Design, creative background and excellent problem solving skills. The Junior Content Producer Apprenticeship requires someone who isn’t afraid to offer ideas or speak their minds, yet also be able to take criticism and complete tasks/projects in the clients vision. Having prior knowledge or experience of Adobe Suite packages is essential for this role. Some Junior Content Producer Apprenticeships may include some digital marketing elements, but the main duties for this apprenticeship can include:

  • Video an image editing
  • Assisting the design team to generate ideas
  • Uploading content to social media platforms – Facebook, Instagram
  • Assisting the head designer in any required duties
  • Ensuring that all projects are tailored to the clients needs
  • Website Development
  • Content writing such as blogs
  • Replying to online queries via Facebook, Instagram, email etc.

Junior Content is a creative field that is need in all aspects of visual advertising from magazines to logos, illustrations to moving imagery. With so many avenues to follow a Junior Content Producer Apprenticeship will help you to do just that. Every candidate who applies will be asked to provide a portfolio of work, whether this be from education or through work. They need to see that you have the skills and creativity required not just for the position but also the business.

Always Be Prepared

Before attending any interview you must always prepare! You should never arrive to an interview without doing any research into the business or job description. Attending without any prior research will damper you chances of being accepted.

One way to help you prepare is to look at practice questions ( You can view some example questions to the right side with hints and tips on how to answer ), as this will help you understand what the employer may ask.

Other ways to help you prepare can include:

  • Writing notes about the business, skills, apprenticeship duties etc.
  • Getting a portfolio of work together to bring with you
  • Print off your CV –  can use this to help you for answers
  • Plan what to wear the night before
  • ALWAYS plan your journey – check travel times, traffic etc.

The more you prepare, the higher the chance that the interview will be successful be on your way to start the business administration apprenticeship.

Talk a little about your personality and related interests, mentioning any awards or achievements. Discuss why you have a passion for graphic design and anything related to design (e.g. visiting galleries, collecting magazines etc). Don’t over share information about yourself but don’t give too short an answer.

Give an overview of the company whilst mentioning some facts that you learned about them. Show the employer that you researched the company before the interview. This shows that you are interested not just in the role, but the company too.

When it comes to answering this question, don’t just discuss how you want to do an apprenticeship. Look at previous work the company have completed why you were attracted to it. Discuss achievements they have gained and how that impressed you.

Discussing a task you needed to prioritise shows organisation and time management skills. Whether this was in education, completing projects at work or in your own time, employers want to know that you are able to manage work loads in an efficient way.  This question can also give an indication of how well you react in an urgent situation.

This is when an employer will be able to know if you can solve problems efficiently. Employers are looking for someone who can fix and resolve matters in a professional and timely manner. This can be a good indicator of how you respond to challenging situations.

An answer to this question requires an element of story telling and is a good time to show your positive traits and team – player qualities. You could discuss compromising and finding a solution to suit each person involved etc.

Talk about any relevant software packages you have used. For example, Adobe Suite (Photoshop, Illustrator etc), Microsoft Packages including Word, Excel and Powerpoint, Any digital illustration software or video editing software shows excellent ability in the sector.

Showing examples of work completed using this software is a great visual way to evidence your skills and gives the employer an insight into your capabilities and style of work.

Strengths – Mention two or three strengths (for example, communicating effectively, time management and organisational skills) and give an example of one of them.

Weaknesses – This is where you can show you are honest, can self-evaluate and are keen to improve. Choose a positive aspect of your personality and mention how this can be slightly detrimental.

When an employer asks this question be as honest as you can. Employers get an understanding of who you are and what drives you. For example, motivation to build a successful career or provide more for your family etc. are both acceptable answers.

Be honest about your reasons for leaving your last job role. But if you are leaving a position that you were not happy in, don’t slander the business. Mention how you want a career with more opportunities for progression or how the role you are interviewing for is a much better fit.

Use this time to ask questions about the business, daily operations or their expectations of you as an employee in this role. Do not ask questions about the company that could have been answered previously with an online search. Aim to ask open ended questions that won’t result in the employer just giving a yes or no answer.

Don’t be afraid to set your sights high when you are asked this question. Employers look for apprentices who are wanting to move up the ladder and have determination to reach that goal. Discuss how you feel the company will be able to set you on your dream path.

Before the interview be aware of how much the role offers on the job description and research salary expectations in this sector based on those in positions that have similar experience to yourself.

Personal Presentation

When attending an interview for a Graphic Design Apprenticeship, you must first understand the tone of the business. A majority of Graphic Design Apprenticeship will be based in areas such as digital marketing, website development and design settings. In these areas of work the dress code can vary, so getting to understand who they are is important to dressing correctly. However, it is always best to smart no matter who the interview may be with. Dressing formally shows that you are serious about the role, ambitious and respectful of the business itself. Even if the interview is informal you still need to make a good impression; so always research the type of company you are applying for.

Good examples of attire to wear for an interview can include:

  • Men – smart shirt (ironed) and trousers, smart business shoes, clean and styled hair (shave if needed)
  • Women – smart trousers/shirt, dress or skirt, smart shoes/boots, clean and styled hair

(or any smart business attire that you feel comfortable in)

If you are attending a more informal interview you don’t need to look as corporate, so you can choose attire that is a bit more comfortable and casual. However, you still need to look smart so avoid jeans, trainers and casual t-shirts. No matter what role you apply/attend interview for, dressing appropriately will increase your chances of securing the perfect apprenticeship and give you the confidence to have a successful interview.

 

Make an Impact

First impressions are key when it comes to an interview; if you arrive looking unpresentable, late and with an attitude the employer will automatically decide that you are unsuccessful. Arriving in suitable attire (as stated above) and at least 10 – 15 minutes earlier will already increase your chances. Other ways to make an impact include:

  • Having a bubbly and optimistic personality – always have a smile and say hello
  • Give a firm handshake – shows confidence and professionalism
  • Always go into detail when answering questions – avoid one word answers
  • Sit upright – never slouch when sitting down
  • Ensure you don’t fidget or mess with objects – looks like you’re bored or nervous
  • Always say ‘thank you’ when the interview is finished

Interview Preparation Tasks

 

1. Read the Interview Confirmation email thoroughly – Familiarise yourself with the location that your interview will take place at. Check transport times. Read through any extra details or helpful advice in the email ton help you prepare.

2. Research the company you are interviewing for the position at – Look at their website and social media accounts. Find out who founded the company and when, what the company does, who their clients or customers are. The employer will ask what you know about the company, so find out as much as possible.

3. Have 2 open questions prepared to ask the employer about their company – After you have researched the company prepare at least two questions to ask the employer about the company. Make sure you aren’t asking questions that are already answered on the website.

4. Study the Job Description and think about what your transferrable skills are – Consider what would be expected of you in the role on a day to day basis. Work out which skills you have that would benefit the company and keep these in mind when you are talking about how you are the perfect candidate.

5. Research the company’s competitors if they have any – Being able to give suggestions and ideas for improvement at the company is a great way to show you are informed and proactive.