Here's how I've secured multiple apprentices for myself and other Acadium team members:
1. Opening message strategy
I send my first message Monday to Wednesday to 15+ candidates. I notice that I get better response rates these days to an initial message. I prefer messaging candidates that were last online no longer than 10 days ago.
I customize the ending of a templated message (the one you see when trying to message a candidate) to make it my own. Just make sure the letter count is under 600.
2. Ask the candidate what they're looking for
Instead of telling the candidate about your business and what you want, ask them what they want to do during the apprenticeship. You're more likely to find someone who is excited about working with you this way. They are working to gain experience, after all.
3. Keep it casual
Don’t try to get candidates on the phone or email within the first message. Don't bore candidates with long messages about your business when they have never spoken with you in real life. Don't share long questionnaires with candidates (10 minutes or more) before talking to them on the phone. Simply chat with them and see what they’re looking for.
4. Be responsive
Be responsive and don’t take days to answer candidates. Provide a quick overview of what you’re looking for if you want, but don’t go into too many details. After chatting back and forth 2-3 times, schedule a time to chat over the Acadium voice & video calling, and send them a calendar invite.
Check out the section titled 'How to conduct an effective phone interview' to learn how to prepare for a call with prospective apprentices.