Boot Camp: A view from the other side

The fourth #TJABootCamp is on the horizon, and I am looking forward to being on the other side, months after my experience of the process back in January. It all happened so fast when I went through Boot Camp, and I can’t wait to witness the emotion that the candidates will experience on the day.

Boot Camp is not like any other job interview you will ever go to. Boot Camp is an experience; it’s an event you will take something from as both a person and a potential professional.

On the day, you need to make the most of the opportunity and the presence of so many prolific local businesses. Ask questions and speak to people, make an impression and try to stand out from the crowd – I’m sure all the employers will be happy to talk.

If you have a particular qualification or set of skills, let the employers know and be proud of what you have achieved. Got a big Twitter following or have a high amount of page views on your blog? Shout it from the rooftops.

Make sure you get involved during the tasks, but avoid taking the credit for a group task on your own. The emphasis is on working as a team.

An important thing is to be yourself, and your personality will shine through. It may sound obvious, but employers will pick up on it if you project a false image of yourself.

Research the employers before the day; make sure you’re clued up about their company before you speak to them. This is a chance to impress, and it will make conversation with them more natural.

Take advantage of social media – after all, it’s the reason you’re there. Comment about tasks, engage with @TheJuiceAcademy or with other apprentices and show you are passionate about all things social media. It’s the small things that will give you the edge over the competition.

But most of all, just enjoy it. Go into the day with plenty of enthusiasm and be proud of yourself – you could be potentially taking the first few steps into a very exciting opportunity.

By Nathan Youd